Tempe Program Upcycles Arizona State University Banners

Adults with disabilities produce unique tote bags from discarded event signage for local sale.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Accessories

Tempe Program Upcycles Arizona State University Banners

Live Poll

Would you pay a premium for everyday items if they provided jobs for people with disabilities?

The Centers for Habilitation is crafting sustainable tote bags by repurposing vinyl banners from Arizona State University events. The initiative creates job opportunities for adults with disabilities while reducing campus waste.

Why it matters

This program bridges sustainability with social impact by providing meaningful employment and skill development for local adults. It demonstrates how institutional waste can be transformed into functional products for the community.

The upcycled tote bags are currently priced between $45 and $60 each. Over the past two years, the initiative has successfully diverted 105 pounds of banner material from local landfills.

The players

The Centers for Habilitation

This organization provides vocational training and employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.

Arizona State University

This major public research university provides the discarded event banners used in the upcycling initiative.

The details

Workers at The Centers for Habilitation sew the bags using designs sourced from event banners, including those from the FIFA World Cup and Women's NCAA Final Four. The finished goods are sold at the Sun Devil Campus Store located in Tempe.

The program diverted 105 pounds of waste over the last two years.
October 2026 marks the timeframe associated with Campus Sustainability Month.

Culture Shift

The project aligns with the broader push for circular economies within major institutions, where waste is viewed as a resource rather than trash. It mirrors the growing consumer shift toward sustainable goods that carry a tangible narrative of local impact and environmental stewardship.

Residents can purchase these upcycled bags at the Sun Devil Campus Store to support local vocational training efforts. The organization intends to expand sales to online storefronts in the near future, increasing accessibility for buyers.

The takeaway

Consumers can support social equity and waste reduction by choosing products made through local vocational programs. Look for items that repurpose durable materials to ensure your purchase remains functional while supporting a circular economy.