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    • Event Details

    Upcoming events!

    Want to stay in the loop? Join the email list for updates and event info. Follow @spartanupcycle, @msu_recycling and @msusurplusstore on social. 

    Getting here: The MSU Surplus Store & Recycling Center is located on the south end of campus, off of Farm Lane, across from the Baker Woodlot. CATA bus 32 stops out front on Farm Lane. Parking in our lot is free while attending events or shopping at the Surplus Store, which is open on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It's about a 25 minute walk from the Union. We also have bike racks and scooter parking. Address: 468 Green Way, south of Trowbridge Rd. and Service Rd. Upcycle events are in the Education Center. Follow the signs and look for the outdoor table, then enter there.

     

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    Student Upcycle Fridays (free)

    Weekly through the semester, 12 - 4 p.m. @ Surplus & Recycling, in the Education Center (including spring break)

    Drop in to make something with repurposed materials! Learn more and take a look at what we make at @spartanupcycle. We hope to see you soon!

    • April 4 -- jewelry from silverware
    • April 11 -- hanging lights with wire fry baskets
    • April 18 -- MSU Art Education students lead in collaboration with Spartan Upcycle
    • April 25 -- Ice Cream Social!

    All MSU students welcome. No crafting experience necessary! All supplies provided. What to expect: Guided projects are offered (with instructions as needed), though upcyclers have creative freedom to put their own spin on the crafts. We're happy to help you learn new techniques or tools and offer suggestions for how to bring your ideas to fruition.

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    MSU Earth Bash

    Saturday, April 12

    12 - 4 p.m. @ Surplus & Recycling

    Celebrate all things reduce, reuse, recycle with a day at the campus recycling center and thrift store.
    • Go thrifting at the Surplus Store.
    • Behind-the-scenes tours of the material recovery facility, vermicompost hoophouse, and Surplus Store.
    • Plant seeds to take home, using soil mixed with Grow Green Vermicompost.
    • Tech Teardown ~ Deconstruct electronics to discover what's inside and learn about reuse & e-waste.
    • Clothing Swap ~ Bring something to donate and take home something new-to-you!
    • Book Freecycle ~ Selection of books free to a good home and book collection/donation.
    • Make upcycled crafts ~ with MSU student groups and Spartan Upcycle:
      • Seed bombs ~ Pollinators United Sustainability Hub ~ press native wildflower seeds into clay ball so seeds can disperse naturally.
      • Flowers ~ MediCraft ~ pipe cleaners, paper, and egg cartons make blooms and bouquets.
      • Crochet with plarn ~ yarn made from plastic bags -- with MSU Yarn Circle.
      • Bike tire pencil pouch ~ repurpose flat tubes from MSU Bikes, with Spartan Upcycle.
    Free & open to the public. All ages welcome. Hosted in collaboration with the MSU Science Festival and support from MSU Sustainability and SLE Eco Reps.
     
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    Student Ice Cream Social

    Friday, April 25

    12 - 4 p.m. @ Surplus & Recycling

    Stop by Student Upcycle Friday for one last hoorah before the semester ends! Eat some ice cream, make a picture frame, bring some clothes to swap, and finish any projects-in-progress. Weather permitting, we'll have it outside, on the sidewalk near the regular Ed Center entrance.

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    ReFashion Drop-in Days with Spartan Upcycle 

    Fridays, June 6, 13, 27

    11 a.m. - 3 p.m. @ Surplus & Recycling

    Want to alter your clothes or make something wearable from scratch? Give it a try at these casual drop-in days with Spartan Upcycle -- no sewing experience necessary!
     
    Enjoy crafting in community while you have access to machines, supplies, and scrap textiles (fabric remnants, discarded linens, secondhand clothing). We can help you get started, show you how to use the sewing machines, and/or troubleshoot to the best of our ability, but drop-in days are not step-by-step workshops. These events are the perfect time to make something wearable for the ScrapFest ReFashion Show, a DIY showcase (not competition) on July 11, 2025.
     
    Attendees are welcome to bring their own supplies or use what's available (sewing machines, hand sew/embroidery supplies, and fabrics). If you're interested but are not sure where to start, take a look at these suggestions. 
     
    Open to the community and all ages welcome. Hosted in collaboration with the organizers of Lansing's annual reuse art festival, ScrapFest, and local fabric shop, Seams Sewing and Mercantile. 
    Interested in volunteering? Sign up to help at the making days! Contact recycle@msu.edu with questions.