July 17, 2018
Today’s article is adapted from an article I wrote for Resource Recycling in January 2017. With little improvement seen on the short-term horizon for recycling markets, I offer reuse as a great programmatic alternative!
The sharing economy and other trends are proving that extending product life cycles can bring big benefits to communities of all sizes. Is this the shot in the arm recycling needs in these tough times? Part 1 of a two-part blog.
Recycling markets are down. Recycling rates are stagnant. And recycling as a whole has received some negative press over the last year.
Clearly, materials management needs some fresh energy – and reliable revenue streams. Reuse may hold the key.
The rapidly evolving reuse landscape is vast and exciting. We’ve long been accustomed to “traditional reuse” – shopping at thrift stores, for example, and refillable mugs for to-go coffee. But the sector now also includes concepts such as upcycling, building adaptation and the sharing economy.
These trends can have significant impacts. By extending product life cycles, reuse conserves resources and lowers greenhouse gas emissions and pollution associated with new product manufacturing.
Reuse also offers innovative business models that benefit the social good. It plays an invaluable role in providing low cost items for lease, rent or purchase. Examples can be seen in clothing, building materials, business equipment, vehicles, auto and equipment parts, and more.
As noted by MaryEllen Etienne in “The Far Reach of Reuse” (a feature in the September 2016 edition of Resource Recycling), the reuse sector is already aligned with the goals of a circular economy. With recycling markets in a slump, communities can benefit by increasing the practice of reuse. In an otherwise slow-growth economy, reuse and sharing businesses often thrive.
HOW TO TAKE ACTION LOCALLY
Public agencies, nonprofit organizations, institutions and businesses can all help expand reuse in local communities by sponsoring ongoing reuse programs. Such initiatives include repair cafés, reuse events and community-wide tag sales. An emphasis on the value, functionality and quality of durable, repaired and reused items can help enhance consumer confidence in the benefits of reuse.
Creating a local reuse working group can jumpstart dialog between stakeholders to expand reuse efforts and promote the sharing economy. The group can explore the environmental and economic opportunities of reuse models and programs, investigate regulatory barriers and potential changes that can be made to foster reuse, and devise incentives for reuse entrepreneurs and businesses.
Communities can also help promote reuse with online listings of reuse activities, thrift stores and building reuse stores. Simply promoting the use of durables (and leading by example by making sure local leaders are seen at meetings with refillable water bottles and coffee cups) can go a long way. Another strategy is offering reusable items, such as shopping bags, as promotional giveaways. Switching to reusable serviceware in schools, institutions and corporate cafeterias is another positive step for advancing reuse.
Meanwhile, reuse businesses can be bolstered through direct financial support from public agencies – low-cost financing, targeted funding for capital projects or programming, tax abatements, and other incentives can all help. Eliminating or reducing permitting and licensing fees is another strategy.
Technical assistance and business guidance in the development or improvement of business plans can assist startup reuse businesses. Another strategy is to offer entrepreneurs help in navigating the permitting and regulatory process. Business incubator programs and job fairs can help with recruiting and training employees, and trade shows with a focus on reuse can be innovative and effective ways of providing publicity.
By creating reuse and recycling hubs or zones within a community, public agencies will play key roles in fostering collaborations and partnerships. Investment forums for reuse entrepreneurs to meet with economic development staff and private investors are also beneficial.
Part 2 of Reboot through Reuse will be posted next week.
By Athena Lee Bradley
For a comprehensive guide to the various types of reuse, “how to” guidance, program examples, and other resources, check out NERC’s Reuse Explorations Guide - Innovative Programs and Strategies.
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