Inaugural Event
Tuesday, February 25
5:30-7:30 PM
Inspiration Alley in downtown Boise
217 S 11th St, Boise, ID 83702
FROM JUNK TO GEMS: WHERE YOUR DONATIONS REALLY GO AND THE TRUTH BEHIND OUR CONSUMPTION HABITS
Ever wonder what really happens to your waste and donations once they leave your hands? Spoiler alert: it’s not always what you think.
Join us for a night of eye-opening conversations with local experts who know where the trash, treasures, and tech really end up—and how you can make sure you’re doing it right. From waste pros to thrift store distribution insiders, junk haulers, and tech recycling wizards, we’re bringing together the people who deal with your "stuff" every day.
Get the truth about how to keep your donations helpful, your waste out of the landfill, and your old gadgets from becoming an environmental nightmare. It’s time to rethink your impact, ask the tough questions, and walk away with practical tips to do better.
Hosted by Idaho Smart Growth’s Crispin Gravatt, this thought-provoking conversation will give you actionable tips for smarter, more impactful ways to declutter your closet, reduce waste, and truly make a difference.
Let’s talk trash—literally—and start making smarter choices for a cleaner, greener community.
Creating change through conversation
By Hannah Gardoski // Idaho Matters // February 13, 2025
“For many, change often starts with a conversation.
Knowing this, a group of Idahoans is partnering to host the "Do Good Conversation Series."
Kicking off on Feb. 25, the series invites community members to join in discussion over issues that impact everyone with the hope that together folks can make a difference.
Hannah Mae Schaeffer, a founding partner of HMK Impact, which is one of the groups behind the conversation series, joined Idaho Matters to talk more.”
Small Changes, Big Impact
Junk to Gems sparked real action.
Businesses are changing—Local companies are now partnering with Idaho Youth Ranch to tackle medical clothing waste and college dorm move out processes.
Sustainability is scaling—Second Chance Building Materials is seeing more customers repurposing materials instead of buying new.
People are rethinking waste—Attendees left ready to change habits, from choosing recycled car parts to ditching plastic packaging.
The conversation doesn’t stop here—see how this event is already making waves in Boise.
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Gabe Brenner is the Programs Coordinator for commercial solid waste initiatives with the City of Boise Curb It team, where he oversees programs serving business, industrial, and multi-family sectors. A graduate of Western Washington University with a degree in Business and Environmental Sustainability, Gabe applies a holistic perspective to waste management, combining environmental stewardship with practical business solutions.
With eight years of industry experience, Gabe began his career at Recology King County in Seattle, Washington, before transitioning to local government in Boise, Idaho. He is passionate about advancing Boise’s circular economy and developing innovative strategies to divert landfill-bound materials. Gabe is committed to building strong partnerships with Boise’s business community to reduce waste, enhance resource recovery, and promote a cleaner, greener future for the city.
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About Mark Salvi
A Treasure Valley native and 4th-generation operator of Pick-A-Part Jalopy Jungle, Mark Salvi graduated from Boise State University in 2011 with degrees in business management and human resource law, plus a minor in marketing. He honed his expertise as a project manager for LKQ based in Chicago, the top provider of aftermarket, salvage, and recycled auto parts for vehicle repair and accessories, overseeing operations across North America, before launching his own business in Twin Falls in 2014.
In 2016, Mark purchased Jalopy Jungle, continuing its legacy while expanding operations. In 2020, the company expanded with a new initiative, Trusty Pick-A-Part, a division specifically focused on processing more technologically advanced end of life vehicles. Passionate about automotive recycling and industry innovation, Mark is dedicated to driving sustainable solutions and shaping the future of the field.
Jalopy Jungle through the lens of sustainability
Founded in the 1960s, Jalopy Jungle is Idaho's largest auto recycling and salvage business, with five locations across the state. With decades of industry expertise, Jalopy Jungle has implemented standardized policies for vehicle management and the safe disposal of hazardous waste, regularly setting benchmarks that many in the community follow. Jalopy Jungle plays a vital yet often overlooked role in the automotive industry's life cycle, bridging the gap between end-of-life vehicles and sustainable resource management. By salvaging usable parts, setting standards for handling hazardous materials, and recycling raw components, Jalopy Jungle minimizes environmental impact, supports a circular economy, and provides affordable alternatives for vehicle repairs and upgrades by recycling valuable materials back into production.
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About Rich
Rich Cline is an accomplished executive with over five decades of leadership experience in the retail and social enterprise sectors. Originally from Chicago, IL, Rich built a distinguished career in the retail supermarket industry, spending 42 years in executive leadership roles at major chains such as Albertsons, Winn-Dixie, and A&P. His expertise in operations, strategic growth, and customer-focused retail positioned him as a leader in the industry.
For the past 11 years, Rich has brought his wealth of experience to Idaho Youth Ranch, where he currently serves as Vice President of Social Enterprise. Overseeing 24 thrift stores, three distribution centers, eCommerce, and vehicle sales, he has played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s reach, advancing sustainability efforts, and driving mission-focused impact. Under his leadership, Idaho Youth Ranch has deepened its commitment to reuse, waste reduction, and circular economy initiatives, creating lasting benefits for both the community and the environment.
About the Youth Ranch through the lens of sustainability
Idaho Youth Ranch is a nonprofit organization that integrates sustainability into its operations while advancing its mission to unite for Idaho’s youth by providing accessible programs and services that nurture hope, healing, and resilience. Through its network of thrift stores, eCommerce, and vehicle donation and sales program, Idaho Youth Ranch promotes the reuse, recycling, and repurposing of donated goods, diverting items from landfills and extending their lifecycle. By embracing a circular economy model, the organization reduces waste, generates revenue to fund its programs, and encourages sustainable consumer behavior. Idaho Youth Ranch’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its waste-reduction strategies, responsible sourcing, and efforts to create long-term environmental and social impact within the community, fostering positive change for both the environment and those it serves.
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About Westin Juarez
Westin Juarez studied Geosciences at the College of Western Idaho (CWI) and holds an Associate of Liberal Arts degree. He has worked at Second Chance Building Materials Center for nearly ten years and understands the market for used building supplies.His work focuses on keeping materials out of landfills while supporting the mission of Supportive Housing and Innovative Partnerships (SHIP), a nonprofit dedicated to green-job opportunities, low-income housing, drug abuse recovery, and veteran affairs. Westin is committed to helping people understand how reuse, recycling, upcycling, and reintegration work within the community through hands-on experience at Second Chance.
Second Chance Building Materials through the lens of sustainability
Second Chance Building Materials Center (SCBMC) in Boise, Idaho, is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to sustainability and social impact. By salvaging and reselling new and used construction materials, SCBMC diverts waste from landfills, reduces demand for new resource extraction, and provides affordable building supplies to the community. Operated under Supportive Housing and Innovative Partnerships, Inc. (SHIP), the center also creates employment and job training opportunities for individuals in recovery, blending environmental responsibility with social empowerment. Through its commitment to reuse and workforce development, SCBMC exemplifies sustainability in action.