The , a student-run initiative dedicated to diverting campus waste, has a new location on campus.
Now housed in a renovated 272-square-foot space at the rear of the Honors House, the move significantly boosts the store鈥檚 accessibility and impact.
鈥淚t makes a huge impact for students that either can鈥檛 afford or don鈥檛 have easy access to certain items, and it鈥檚 also just an incredible way to reduce waste on campus,鈥 said Lilly Clagett, a third-year student who manages the store and is pursuing an individualized major in environmental sciences in the 听
Other highlights include a changing room with a bench for ADA accessibility and capacity for more volunteers. The new space was sponsored by , who has been a steadfast partner to the university in student enrichment. Additional support was provided by and the
What is the Free Store?
The store operates on a simple premise: any student with a Cardinal ID can walk in and take what they need, completely free. Items frequently include clothes, shoes, bedding and essential kitchen items. Students and staff can also donate to the store, arranging pick-up or bringing donations to the location. 听
The UofL Free Store originally launched in 2013 by the student organization 鈥楪roup Recycling and Sustainable Solutions鈥 (GRASS), with the support of the UofL Sustainability Council and has steadily grown from its humble beginnings in Unitas Hall and its previous location in the Student Activities Center.
This initiative is part of UofL鈥檚 broader commitment to sustainability, evidenced by the university once again securing a place in the , with an impressive rating of 96/99.
Students can get involved in sustainability efforts on campus through:
- Fighting food insecurity and climate change by working with the
- Volunteering with the
- Managing the ; and
- Volunteering with the Free Store!
Learn more on the website and more on how to get involved on campus at the website.
