(upbeat music) - I'm Paris Jackson, in the Crosscut KCTS 9 newsroom.

To curb excess waste in Washington, reuse businesses and nonprofits are aiming to turn others' trash into treasure.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, in 2018, about 290 million tons of solid waste was disposed of in the US.

In 2021, the city of Seattle reported the area generated nearly 740,000 tons of waste.

Across the state, creative reuse centers are finding new ways to repurpose everyday goods and keep them out of the landfill by turning them into art.

Seattle ReCreative, a nonprofit in the Greenwood neighborhood, challenges its consumers to reevaluate the relationship with stuff, and use materials in new and more sustainable ways.

ReCreative operates like a thrift store for art supplies.

The nonprofit receives donations from fine art supplies, to plastic straws, cutlery, and beaded necklaces.

All materials are priced 60% off retail, and some items are marked free for teachers and BIPOC artists.

(gentle chiming music) I'm Paris Jackson, find nonprofit Northwest News every day on Crosscut.com.

(upbeat music)