Looking for ways to recycle, reuse, or reduce waste in the Rivertowns? Meet three local residents (and HudCo members) who are making it easier than ever. Through free sharing, repair events, and vintage markets, they are giving everyday items a second life right here in Westchester.
Making Space for What Matters
Gal Yaguri, Founder of Balaboste and Take It or Leave It Garage
If you’re looking to take inventory of what you own and declutter responsibly, Gal is your go-to (shown above, on left, with former Hastings Mayor Niki Armacost). Through both her work and community initiatives, she helps people navigate the often overwhelming process of letting go.
Whether it’s everyday excess, a major move, downsizing, or even the loss of a loved one, her approach is grounded in compassion and sustainability. Gal creates systems that not only organize homes but also reduce waste and support more intentional living.
HudCo: What inspired you to take on a leadership role in sustainability locally?
Gal: I run a woman-owned home organization business based in Hastings called Balaboste, where we take a compassionate, customized approach with a strong focus on sustainability and Zero Waste practices. Through my work, I saw firsthand how much people want to live more intentionally, but also how few accessible resources exist to support that. That realization pushed me to step into a larger role. Today, I serve as Chair of Hastings’ Zero Waste Advisory Taskforce, where we’re working to expand those resources and make sustainable living more attainable for everyone.
HudCo: Can you tell us about the Take It or Leave It Garage and why it matters?
Gal: We’re celebrating the 4th anniversary of the Hastings Take It or Leave It (TILI) Garage—a free community space designed to reduce consumption. It’s a place where people can donate items they no longer need and others can take what they do, all at no cost. It keeps usable goods out of landfills and reinforces the idea that sharing within a community can replace constant buying. It’s simple, but incredibly impactful.
The TILI Garage is located at Andrus on Hudson (185 Old Broadway) and open every Sunday (excluding holiday weekends)! Visitors can follow signage to the garage, with convenient access for dropping off larger items. Follow the Instagram account for the most up to date information.
HudCo: How can people in the community get more involved?
Gal: I’d love to connect with fellow HudCo members through talks or workshops focused on mindful, eco-friendly living. There are so many small, practical steps people can take that really add up. Beyond that, I’m always happy to help point people toward local initiatives—it’s often easier than you think to get involved once you know where to look.
Repairing, Relearning, Reconnecting
Lindsey Jeanne Taylor, Graphic Designer and Rivertowns Repair Cafe Volunteer
As a co-coordinator of the Rivertowns Repair Café, Lindsey (photo above, at right) helps create a space where broken items get a second life—and where people rediscover the value of repair. With a background in graphic design and visual communications, she plays a key role in organizing, promoting, and bringing these events to life, making repair more accessible and less intimidating for everyone.
HudCo: What first inspired you to get involved with the Repair Café?
Lindsey: I wanted to create things that lasted rather than just add to the pile—a feeling that grew out of years designing graphics for children’s fashion. While my own repair skills are pretty basic, I realized I could contribute by using my background in visual communications. I co-coordinate the Rivertowns Repair Café events and handle publicity and promotion. It’s been the perfect way to put my skills toward something that actively pushes back against throwaway culture.
HudCo: Why does this work feel especially important right now?
Lindsey: We’re drowning in stuff we don’t know how to fix anymore, and corporations aren’t exactly encouraging us to try. Repair Café gives people a place to bring broken items and leave not just with something fixed, but with the knowledge and confidence to try again next time. It’s also about community—people come together, share skills, and connect. That mix of learning, reducing waste, and human connection feels more urgent than ever.
HudCo: What can someone expect if they attend or volunteer?
Lindsey: You don’t have to be an expert to show up—that’s one of the biggest misconceptions. Whether you’re fixing, learning, or just curious, there’s a place for you. It’s a welcoming, collaborative environment where everyone benefits from shared knowledge.
Next Repair Café: April 18 (Hastings)
10am–2pm Hastings Repair Cafe, James V. Harmon Community Center, 44 Main St
Rethinking “New” Through Vintage
Sara Peluso, Co-Founder of Wickers Creek Market
Sara Peluso has a gift for finding beauty in what already exists. From sourcing treasures at estate sales across the tri-state area to curating her presence at Newburgh Vintage Emporium, she brings a thoughtful, design-forward eye to secondhand shopping. Her work encourages people to slow down, shop more intentionally, and embrace pieces that carry both history and character.
HudCo: How did Wickers Creek Market come to life?
Sara: Wickers Creek Market started simply—(co-founder) Pascale (Le Draoulec) and I kept running into each other at estate sales, both wishing for a well-curated vintage market in lower Westchester. With encouragement from Dobbs Ferry’s Deputy Mayor Jess Galen, we decided to bring the idea forward (at the Dobbs Ferry Waterfront Park). What began as a shared vision quickly became a reality.
HudCo: What makes shopping vintage an important part of sustainability?
Sara: Shopping vintage is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste and rethink consumption. It extends the life of items that already exist and challenges the idea that we always need something new. Plus, there’s something special about finding pieces with history and character—it makes the experience more meaningful.
HudCo: How can people support Wickers Creek Market?
Sara: It’s simple: show up, spread the word, and bring your people. Make a day of it. Explore the market, meet the vendors, and enjoy the waterfront. Supporting vintage is supporting sustainability—and community at the same time.