Europe needs to accelerate its entry into the era of reuse. The old linear economy equation “produce, use and throw away” is not valid anymore. However, a significant portion of reusable home appliances including books, clothes, WEEEs, furniture and food are still being wasted and landfilled.
Despite the waste hierarchy in force – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle – and the fact that cities and regions are backing some reuse initiatives, reuse could be much further developed. Waste management programmes include reuse but prioritise recycling, even though reuse is more environmentally and socially friendly.
Thus, the project is meant to be an instrument to help boost reuse through public policies. Based on experience, 2LIFES partners have identified that reuse is often marginally and partially explored. However, when properly managed, reuse promotes environmental sustainability as well as employment and solidarity.
Unlike previous waste prevention projects, 2LIFES focuses exclusively on reuse and more specifically on reuse activities promoted by public administrations – something pending as it is usually promoted by the third sector.
The project brings together advanced cities and regions in the political backing of reuse, in addition to others that are in the process of doing so. The problem of masses of reusable goods being prematurely recycled or even landfilled is cross-cutting in the whole of Europe.
The main expected results are the development of new channels, infrastructures and protocols for reuse through instruments in force as well as the awareness-raising of households, businesses and administrations regarding the need to change the consumption patterns. Green jobs around reuse initiatives are also expected.
