Kalamazoo Times

Western Michigan University has launched a new on-campus thrift store called the Sustainable Housing Equipment (S.H.E.) Shed, aimed at supporting both sustainability and affordability for students. The S.H.E. Shed allows students to pick up free household items such as microwaves, mini fridges, kitchen tables, art, and school supplies.

Aishi Dhar Puja, a master’s student in applied economics from Bangladesh, described her experience: “I got some plants, some spoons, a stapler, a notebook, and I got a canvas painting. I used to paint back in my country and having this art will be so nice in my space,” she said. “I can’t believe all this was free!”

The initiative was spearheaded by Maddie Christians, who graduated with a B.F.A. in 2023 and is currently pursuing an M.A. She emphasized the importance of holistic support for students: “Students succeed when we support them holistically. And their home environment is going to impact them and their mental health, which then impacts their academics and their success here at Western,” Christians said. “With S.H.E. Shed, we’re saving waste from the landfill, we’re supporting our students and, at the end of the day, that’s going to help them succeed while they are here and hopefully make them feel more whole and fulfilled.”

Jeff Spoelstra, director of the Office for Sustainability at WMU, commented on the project’s impact: “It really is a triple win,” he said. “It’s also really rewarding to see a student-led effort really take off.”

Christians first conceived of the idea while working as an undergraduate graphic designer in the Office for Sustainability after noticing large amounts of usable items being discarded during move-out periods at apartment complexes. She began collecting these items for redistribution among fellow students.

“I lived in an apartment complex and saw how much waste was generated during move out. The big dumpsters are just overflowing with stuff that people throw away. And a lot of it is in really good condition, so I would just start taking things. Even if I didn’t need it, someone I knew might want it,” Christians explained. “Then I started talking to people about how we could take those items and turn them into donations to give back to students. It’s really one of the big reasons I stayed at Western for my master’s degree. I wanted to see this come to fruition because I really believe in the potential it has to impact students.”

To develop her concept further alongside two other students, Christians participated in Starting Gate—a business accelerator program within Haworth College of Business that provides resources and guidance for student startups.

“We actually did the program for two years developing our business model; creating our identity and branding; deciding what our marketing and business plans were; establishing our mission values goals,” she said.“We also had the opportunity to network get external support from community.”

As part of her master’s work in higher education and student affairs at WMU,she incorporated S.H.E.Shed into coursework—conducting campuswide surveys,gathering feedback,and securing funding through Student Sustainability Grant awards.

“I haven’t stopped thinking about this for last two years;it’s found its way into almost every aspect what I’ve been doing,”Christians added.“Now we have data we can use keep building shaping this program.And staff Office Sustainability have been with me every step way,listening me supporting me.”

The S.H.E.Shed complements existing WMU programs designed to meet essential needs—such as Bronco Food Pantry (providing food/personal care),Student Emergency Relief Fund(financial assistance),Books Broncos(course materials/textbooks),Student Health Assistance Fund(medical expenses),and Broncos.Period.(free menstrual products).

The S.H.E.Shed accepts donations (excluding textiles) during posted hours each week throughout fall semester.All Western students with valid ID may shop there every two weeks.Donors are encouraged review guidelines online before contributing.Volunteers are also needed especially during peak donation times.For more information,the Office for Sustainability can be contacted by phone or email.