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To reduce the amount of materials sent to the landfill, it’s important to reduce the use of single-use products, use second-hand items, and share resources with others. Knox has many sustainability programs and initiatives to help our community waste less and share more, including the Share Shop, Bike Shop, Office Supply Share, resources for Zero Waste Events, and more!
The Knox College Share Shop is an on-campus resource for reusing materials and fostering a sharing economy. This student-run "store" includes clothing, home goods, electronics, books, shoes, kitchen supplies, and more that are in good condition for the Knox community to take for free.
The majority of items are collected during annual Move Out sustainability efforts, but items can be donated throughout the year by dropping them off during open hours (Thursday - Saturday, 4-6:30 pm) or by contacting the Office of Sustainability. Check out the weekly Sustainability Newsletter, or the Sustainable Knox Facebook or Instagram for information about hours, promotions, and events.
We always need volunteers to help sort donations, tidy up, and manage the space during open hours! Check out our Volunteering & Community Engagement webpage to get involved!
Located in the basement of the Old Jail, the Knox College Bike Shop is an on-campus bike repair shop and rental service open several days during the week and staffed by student mechanics.
Students can rent bikes and bike locks for an entire term. There are about 60 bikes in the Bike Share Fleet, which are loaned to students as first-come-first-serve. This is a free service, though there is a charge if items are not returned. Additionally, mechanic services may be available to anyone in the Knox community for the cost of parts.
Fun fact: The Bike Shop is recognized by The League of American Bicyclists as a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Business for 2024-2028, in recognition of our outstanding efforts to support and encourage bicycling!
Bike Shop hours
Check the Bike Shop Facebook page for the current schedule and/or the most recent Sustainability Newsletter for closures and/or updates.
Contact bikeshop-user@knox.edu for questions, concerns, or to make an appointment.
Self-service bike stand and pump
There is a self fix-it stand and pump located on the south side of Seymour Union, adjacent to the dining services office. The fix-it stand has a few tools (including an air pump to fill your tires and wrenches) and a link to online tutorials. It’s available for community use at all times.
Similar to the Share Shop, the Office Supply Share focuses primarily on school and office supplies. It’s located in Seymour Union, down the stairs from the Hard Knox Cafe, and is open whenever Seymour Union is open. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to check here before purchasing new school and office supplies, and everyone is encouraged to donate gently used items back to the Office Supply Share for others to enjoy.
Knox strives to hold low-waste and waste-free events. For example, at large events (such as commencement and other community picnics), Knox works to use 100% reusable, compostable, or recyclable materials to package or serve food whenever possible. We encourage Knox clubs and organizations to do the same!
If you want to plan a more sustainable or zero-waste event, check out our Sustainable Event Checklist!
One great resource featured on our Sustainable Event Checklist is our Reuse Kits program! If you’re planning an event that includes food, consider borrowing a Reuse Kit. Reusable plates, bowls, cups, and silverware are available for short-term use for your events and meetings. The service is free, but individuals will be charged a fee for any late or non-returned items. To request a Reuse Kit, simply use the online request form.
Knox also strives to reduce landfill-bound waste during Move Out at the end of each year. Instead of dumping usable clothes and household goods in the landfill, students and other community members can easily drop these items off at the Move Out donation center on campus (see map). Student volunteers and employees then sort these materials and make them available to community members through the share shop and local resale shops.
Knox College Building & Facilities Services operates the campus Warehouse that houses excess furniture and chairs. Looking for a few additional items for your office or communal space? Check with the warehouse first, they may have just what you are looking for!
Do you regularly discard sheets of paper that are printed only on one side? There is a designated printer in Founders computer lab, the "\\recycle" printer, that is stocked with used paper, for printing drafts, etc.
Galesburg Public Library—borrow books for free!
There are many local thrift stores close to Knox, including:
https://www.knox.edu/offices/sustainability/waste-less-share-more
Printed on Monday, March 31, 2025