About Us
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The Plant Exchange (a 501(c)3 nonprofit) was founded in 2007 to encourage our community to share resources, recycle gardening materials, eliminate unnecessary landfill waste, and increase local sustainability.
Our signature event was our annual Plant Exchange, which brought over 1000 community members in a celebration of all things gardening, becoming the largest plant swap in the US. This event allowed the community to share skills, learn about sustainable gardening, and contribute to the great greenness of the Bay Area, all while obtaining repurposed items for their gardens. The idea began in the front yard of our founder and Executive Director, Odette Pollar, as a way to connect with neighbors over gardening.
As of May 1, 2023 Odette has retired and The Plant Exchange warehouse has closed. However, we will continue to be a resource for you and welcome questions about how to start similar projects! We still advise and mentor those interested in hosting plant exchanges in their own communities.
The Plant Exchange also hosts occasional pop-up sales with a focus on inanimate objects (e.g. pots, garden decor and furniture, etc.) to continue our mission of keeping items out of the landfill while offering affordable deals to our supporters. WE STILL ACCEPT DONATIONS OF POTS.