Zero Waste Hands-on Weekend in Bluff spring 2026

Overview

Forge, Build, Return: A Weekend of “Zero waste” hands-no in Bluff

DATE AND TIME

• Main Event: Saturday, March 14th, 2026 (Full Day)
• Weekend Option: Friday evening through Sunday morning (Recommended for those traveling from afar who require accommodation).

• DesignBuildUTAH@Bluff Campus, Bluff, UT

"Forge, Build, Return" is a weekend retreat bringing together DesignBuildUTAH@Bluff alumni, future students, and community friends. This event explores the principles of "Zero Waste Living" through the lens of sustainable design and construction.

By reclaiming leftover construction materials and transforming them into functional art, we celebrate the spirit of the Bluff community and the joy of creating with our hands. Join us for a meaningful weekend of reconnection, creation, and sustainable innovation!

Weekend Pass (Adult) – $40

• 2 nights of accommodation (Camping or indoor—see details below).
• Friday and Saturday dinners included.
• Current UofU School of Architecture Students & Under 18s: Free (Minors must be accompanied by an adult).

Community Day Pass – Free

• Saturday activities only.
• No accommodation or meals included.
• Community participants: Donations are welcome! Please bring a dish to share for Saturday’s potluck dinner.

• Transportation: Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the Bluff campus.
• Breakfast & Lunch: Attendees are responsible for their own breakfast and lunch throughout the weekend.
• Kitchen Facilities: A full kitchen equipped with cooking utensils is available on-site for all participants. You are welcome to bring your own ingredients and use this space to prepare your individual meals.

• Afternoon: Arrival, check-in, campsite setup, and self-paced campus tours.
• 6:00 PM: Welcome Dinner.

The core of the weekend, featuring collaborative building projects, creative workshops, and community exchange.

Morning Session (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, includes lunch break)

• Project 1: Building the Collective Benches – Use architectural scrap (timber, metal, stone) to build durable, high-design benches for the campus camping area.
• Project 2: Tramp Frame Gate – Upcycle a trampoline frame with reclaimed wood to create an artistic "Gateway" for the campus.

Afternoon Session (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM)

• Swap Market at Cedar Hall: A weight-based exchange of pre-loved items. Bring what you no longer need; take what you can use!
• Plastic Waste Craft: Turn "trash into treasure" by creating original keychains from upcycled plastic waste.

Evening Session (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM)

• Showcase: A celebration and viewing of the day’s creations.
• Potluck & Talk Session: "Visions of the Future: The Potential for Zero Waste in Bluff."
• Zero Waste Potluck: Please bring a dish to share and your own reusable mess kit (plate/utensils).

• Morning: Optional group hike.
• Late Morning: Campus clean-up and pack-out.
• 12:00 PM: Farewells and departure.

• Swap Items: Pre-loved clothes, books, tools, or leftover hardware.
• Upcycling Materials: Clean plastic bottle caps.
• Potluck Contribution: A dish to share with the community for Saturday night.

For Overnight Guests:

• Gear: Camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag) OR inquire early about limited indoor accommodation.
• Clothing: Warm layers (desert temperatures drop significantly at night).
• Essentials: Personal items for a two-night stay.

• The University of Utah School of Architecture
• The Bluff Workshop

DesignBuildUTAH@Bluff is a unique program where architecture students gain hands-on experience by creating real structures for the Bluff community. The campus itself serves as a living testament to sustainable design and collaborative building.

This event practices what it preaches:

• Reclaimed Materials: All building projects utilize construction waste.
• Circular Economy: The Swap Market reduces landfill contributions.
• BYO Policy: We aim to eliminate single-use items; please bring your own kits.
• Community Impact: Leftover items will be donated to students and local charities.

Schedule and Changes: The schedule, location, and programming are subject to change due to weather or enrollment. Registered participants will be notified via email of any significant updates.

Refund Policy: In the event of cancellation by the organizer, attendees will receive a full refund. The organizer is not responsible for external travel or accommodation expenses.

Assumption of Risk: This event involves hands-on construction with tools and materials. By registering, participants assume responsibility for their own safety and agree to follow all safety guidelines. Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising minors at all times.

Category: Home & Lifestyle, Home & Garden

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