We have a small campus in a rural part of Oregon. It is beautiful - stunning really. We can see two snow capped volcanoes year round, the wildflowers are incredible in the spring, and we are simply very aware of the seasons, the creature, etc. We started in Portland and that was critical for our success. So many people, so many support businesses and collaborators. But I grew up rural and wanted to get back to peace and nature.
JB: Sounds idyllic, Graham, on many counts. Lucky you! How did you get hooked up with Uncommon Goods [that funky online marketplace], which is where I found you?
GB: They found us at the New York International Gift Fair over a decade ago. We were exhibiting in a section called "Handmade in the USA" and they were just getting the catalog going. It has been a really symbiotic relationship. I'm proud of Dave and his work on B corporations, and it is cool to see all of our products getting 4-5 stars in the reviews on their site (excellence and quality are two of our core values).
bike chain bowl, at work by Resource Revival website
JB: Yes, I can see it's a good match. Will you talk for a minute about how bike shops can get involved with Resource Revival?
GB: Sure. It's easy. Right now we offer free pickup for any bike shop in the lower 48 that wants to recycle bike chain. All they have to do is put the chain in a box and call us when the box is full. We send UPS to pick it up at no charge to the shop. What other recycling service provides a uniformed attendant to collect your waste?! We have hundreds of shops that are participating and are adding new ones all the time.
JB: Wonderful! What haven't we talked about yet?
GB: I can't think of anything else. Thank you for the opportunity.
JB: It was a pleasure, Graham. I'll think of you every time I sit at my desk and gaze at my Resource Revival clock!
bike chain bottle opener by Resource Revival website
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Watch a fun, fast-paced two-minute video showing how old chains are turned into decorative bowls.
Resource Revival website
Resource Revival won Presidential Sustainability Award in 1996
It was covered in the New York Times back in 1997
my recent interview with Uncommon Goods founder and CEO, David Bolotsky
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
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