Makerspaces: Making a Difference for the Planet

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We’ve been doing Earth Day blogs for years, so coming up with a new Earth Day blog post topic was challenging.  Then, it turns out a topic was right under our noses.  Recently, Small Planet Supply joined Lacey MakerSpace.  We joined to be able to get comfortable with machinery we don’t have now but might purchase in the future.  However, once we learned more about what was available at makerspaces, there was several reasons why these spaces deserve a bit of recognition on Earth Day (and every day). 

What is a Makerspace?

If you’re unfamiliar with makerspaces, they are basically like a modern-day workshops and a collaborative workspaces where people can gather to create, invent, and learn.  Makerspaces typically offer access to a variety of tools and equipment, ranging from traditional hand tools to advanced digital manufacturing technology, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and computer numerical control (CNC) machines. Makerspaces are deeply rooted in and embrace the Do-It-Yourself culture, promoting the idea that individuals can build, repair, and innovate on their own projects with the resources and support of a like-minded community. 

How Makerspaces Can Help on Earth Day and Every Day

It might seem counter intuitive that having a place where people make things can be helpful for the planet, but most makerspaces do help to move us toward a healthier world environment.  Here’s some of the ways makerspaces can help local communities work toward increasing sustainability: 

Sharing Economy and Resource Efficiency

Makerspaces promote a shared access model to tools and equipment, reducing the demand for new products and the waste associated with their lifecycle.

Emphasis on Sustainability

Tools are neatly organized at the Lacey Makerspace and surfaces are clean. Photo Credit: Lacey Makerspace

Many Makerspaces emphasize sustainability and recycling, encouraging members to think creatively about repurposing materials and reducing waste. This aligns well with contemporary concerns about environmental sustainability and can contribute to developing more eco-friendly practices within the community.

Encouraging Repair and Upcycling

Makerspaces are equipped with tools and resources that enable individuals to repair items rather than discard them. By fixing electronics, mending clothes, or refurbishing furniture, members can extend the life of many products that would otherwise end up in landfills. This practice not only reduces waste but also fosters a culture of maintenance and care, contrasting sharply with today’s “throw-away” mindset.

Promoting the Use of Recycled Materials

Welding at Lacey Makerspace. Photo credit: Lacey makerspace

Many makerspaces actively encourage the use of recycled or salvaged materials for projects. They often have areas dedicated to storing materials that can be repurposed, offering a second life to items that would be considered waste. This not only minimizes the need for new raw materials but also sparks creativity, as makers find innovative ways to incorporate these recycled elements into their work.

Education on Sustainable Practices

Through workshops and events focused on sustainability, Makerspaces educate their communities about the importance of environmental stewardship. Members learn about sustainable design principles, eco-friendly materials, and techniques to minimize waste during the manufacturing process. This education helps embed sustainability into the DNA of new projects and products.

Supporting Local Production

Makerspace classes provide the opportunity to learn new skills from others in your local community. PHoto Credit: Lacey Makerspace

By providing tools and expertise for local production, makerspaces can reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods. When products are made locally, the energy and resources spent on shipping and logistics are significantly decreased. Furthermore, local production often leads to higher-quality, more durable goods that don’t need to be replaced as frequently, contributing to less waste.

Makerspaces Enhance Communities Too

In addition to the sustainability benefits that makerspaces provide, they also enhance the sense of community among participants by fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and shared learning.

Makerspaces are designed to be inclusive, making them accessible to individuals with disabilities, thereby broadening participation and fostering a diverse community of problem solvers. By engaging preservice educators in inclusive design practices, Makerspaces can contribute to changing the direction of STEM fields, making them more accessible and representative of diverse populations. These spaces offer unique opportunities for individuals to bring their personal experiences into the creative process, potentially leading to innovative solutions that might not have been possible in a more homogeneous group

In addition, the community benefits of makerspaces extend beyond individual projects, makespaces spur innovation by bringing together people from various backgrounds, allowing for resource sharing, and enhancing problem-solving capabilities. These spaces underscore the power of collaborative efforts in achieving common goals and fostering a brighter future for all community members

In essence, makerspaces serve as hubs where communities can unite, share resources, and collaborate on projects that not only foster personal growth and education but also aim to address broader social challenges. Through inclusivity, structured learning, and a focus on tangible outcomes, makerspaces cultivate an environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute, learn, and innovate together.

Makerspaces in the USA and Canada

In the United States, there are nearly 700 makerspaces that are active, being planned, or under construction. California, New York, and Texas are the top states with the most makerspaces, representing 25% of the total in the United States. One of the most exciting things about makerspaces is that there all sorts of organizations that create them, including:

Textile equipment at the Lacey Makerspace

  • Educational institutions

  • Libraries and community centers

  • Professional makers and educators

  • Tech companies and start ups

  • Local governments

  • Local community members

Need Help Finding a Maker Space?

Explore the Makerspace Directory

Make encourages global network makerspaces to add their locations and offer options for managing listings, indicating an extensive directory of USA Maker Spaces.  

MakerParts.CA: Directory for Canada

Maker Parts has a listing of some Canadian Makerspaces.

Consult Your Local Library

Many libraries either host maker spaces or can direct you to nearby facilities. This approach is especially useful because libraries are likely to provide makerspace services for free or can guide you to other local resources, including colleges and university libraries in your area that may house maker spaces​.

The Last (Unexpected) Benefits of Maker Spaces

While we joined Lacey MakerSpace to get access to specific equipment, we ended up being inspired to try to do new things including making stained glass windows, wood working, designing our own t-shirts and more.  And, the best unexpected benefit has been making new connections in our local community.