CCU takes initiative to increase a sustainable campus by hosting monthly pop-up thrift shops

Sustain Coastal, an environmentalist student program at CCU, hosts a Pop-Up Thift Shop every first Wednesday of the month.

Since 2015, Sustain Coastal has been receiving donations from students, faculty, and staff for the pop-up shop.

Most of the items for sale come from PODS storage containers used by students. At the end of each year, many items are left or forgotten by students. Sustain Coastal’s mission is to encourage reuse of these items.

Brianna Reid, a sophomore Marketing major said, “I usually have class during the pop-up shop, but today I had time . . . I didn’t really know what to expect coming here. I can't believe I found a few name-brand items.”

All items cost only $1 in order to promote the accessibility of resources to students who may not be able to afford to buy items elsewhere. Another goal behind this initiative is to teach students the value of reuse.

The pop-up thrift shop carries clothing, shoes, bedding, and more. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., students could peruse the shop and promote sustainability with their purchases.

“You can bring items throughout the year to the Sustainability office, which is in Facilities 2 by the post office, or during the pop-up thrift shop,” said eco-representative Meara Kelly.

The pop-up thrift shop also offers more direct assistance to students in need. Through the offices of Student Affairs and the Dean of Students, students may submit a request for any items available through the shop at no charge. Requests are accepted in person at one of the two offices or by email.

“The Pop-Up Thrift Shop brings together the three legs of the sustainability stool: environment, social and economic,” according to Sustain Coastal’s website. “Not only do we save items from the landfill, but we sell them back to the campus community inexpensively and help students earn scholarships at CCU.”

The pop-up thrift shop is a resource for students to reuse materials, donate items, and support the community.