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The main purpose of the TIOLI is to promote the reuse of household items that would otherwise end up in the trash. “The TIOLI Shed encourages people to reuse items and reduce consumption and waste," said Filippine Hoogland, the TIOLI manager and Bedford 2020 volunteer. "It can also save residents money. In fact, I was in a store the other day and had to laugh at all the things for sale that people could just go pick up at the TIOLI for free.”
Each Saturday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., from May through October, Town of Bedford residents are invited to take or leave items like tools, housewares, small appliances, games, toys, sports equipment, office supplies, small furniture, etc. Before unloading items from cars, volunteers examine the goods to confirm that they are acceptable.
Everyone is encouraged to come and take items home. “You don’t have to leave something to take something,” said Hoogland.
“The more people take and reuse or repurpose items, the more the TIOLI will help us achieve the waste reduction goals of our community,” said Midge Iorio, executive director of Bedford 2020.
Activity is increasing each week. “People are genuinely happy to see that their stuff will find a new home, and others are thrilled with the great finds,” said Hoogland, who is there every Saturday. “The volunteers are friendly, the items are in good condition, there is a sense of community and doing good for the environment, and you can’t beat the price.”
For more information about the TIOLI, stop by on Saturday or visit the Bedford 2020 website at http://bedford2020.org/tioli-shed/.
