Local reuse shops, Reviva Tuncurry, Tea Gardens and Taree are throwing reuse, repair and repurposing into the spotlight in the lead up to National Recycling Week next month.

Reviva is part of the national social enterprise Resource Recovery Australia, which last week launched its annual Reuse, Repair and Repurpose competition.

Resource Recovery Australia Mid Coast acting operations manager, Russell Ping said the creativity and skill of Mid Coast locals had been a highlight for the team.

"The Mid Coast community are a talented bunch who embrace reuse and upcycling," Mr Ping said.

"This year we have a local prize of a $150 Visa gift card, as well as a national prize of a $250 Visa gift card.

"Every Reviva team around the country wants to see one of their locals take out the top prize.

"We know it will be a Mid Coast local though, the talent here is second to none."

By reusing, repairing and upcycling individuals can positively impact the environment and save money.

"At Reviva, we work to divert waste from landfill and provide employment and training opportunities," Mr Ping said.

"It's about doing the right thing by people and the planet."

In a bygone era, reuse, repair and upcycling were commonplace.

Fast forward to 2021, and the value of these skills and activities is being rediscovered by the Mid Coast community.

"Following the great depression generations learned to reuse and repair items.

At the time, reuse, repair and repurposing became necessary art forms.

"Over the years repair and upcycle skills have been forgotten as products became more affordable.

"Financial affordability comes at a price though. Every item that is manufactured has an impact on the environment.

From carbon emissions to energy consumption and the use of non-renewable resources, manufacturing new products costs us all. The solution is reuse, repair and repurposing.

"Now, the value of reuse, repair and upcycling is being rediscovered by the MidCoast community.

It's like reuse and upcycling have come back into style. It's great to see more locals exploring reuse, discovering skills and talents they didn't know they had.

"We love being a part of it.

"A trip to Reviva is like a reuse treasure hunt that the whole family can enjoy."

Entry to the Reuse, Repair and Repurpose competition is open to all members of the community.

To enter simply visit www.resourcerecovery.org.au/competition/

The competition runs until National Recycling Week, entries close Friday, November 12.

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