Promoting Re-use from the Public Policies

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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 part of reusable home appliances, books, clothes, WEEEs, furniture and food are still being wasted and landfilled. Despite of the waste hierarchy approach 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 programmes in force include reuse but prioritise recycle, even if reuse is more environmentally and socially friendly. Thus, the project is meant to be an instrument that will help to boost reuse from the public policies, formally shaping an activity that is usually undertaken marginally and partially, and that, properly managed, can promote environmental sustainability as well as employment and solidarity. Unlike previous waste prevention projects, 2LIFES focuses exclusively on reuse and more specifically on reuse promoted by public administrations- something pending as this 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 prematurely recycled or even landfilled is cross-cutting in the whole of Europe. The main results expected are the development of new channels, infrastructures and protocols for reuse through the 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 can also be expected. Interreg Europe framework for stakeholders’ involvement is excellent for 2LIFES, since reuse initiatives require the collaboration of municipal waste services with SMEs, civil society, NGOs, social enterprises and training and employment services.

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