THE COMMON GOOD OF THE THREE ECOLOGICAL Rs (CHAPTER 2) REUSE
In the previous chapter we saw the action of Reduce within the ecological proposal of the 3Rs. Now we will look at the second action, REUSE.
To reuse is simply to reuse a product. But there are several ways to understand or implement this practice:
- I can REUSE a product several times because it is designed to be used several times, a very common example: refillable water bottles (either plastic or preferably made of other materials such as glass or stainless steel).
- Or I can give a product a second, third or more functions after it has been used for what it was originally created for. For example, a vehicle tire, its original function is to cushion the rolling of a wheel; when that function is finished because it is in bad condition, it can be used to make a piece of furniture, plant a plant in it, decorate a children’s playground, etc.
Within this practice of reusing, there are also two practices associated with prolonging the use of the same product: Repairing and Recirculating.
Repair: We live in a disposable society where throw-away products are a priority. If a product has a small bump, defect or breaks down and stops working, we often choose to throw it away because it is more complicated and expensive to find someone to repair it. But there are many people and institutions dedicated to restoring its life in its original function so as not to generate more waste and not to have to consume a new product to replace it. This is the case of: household appliances, watches, cell phones, clothing, footwear, vehicles, furniture, etc.
Recirculate: In this case, the product is in good condition and can still be used in its original function, but for different reasons (I outgrow those clothes, I no longer use those games, now I don’t have small children, I want to reduce the products I bought compulsively, or something I was given that I don’t need, I want to share food with others in need, etc.), I choose to share or sell that product. Today there are many platforms for buying and selling second hand, organizations that collect and distribute to people who need them, also give away or exchange with friends and family, among others.
We are moving forward, Reduce, Reuse… we have one more to go. And we are already achieving a better world.
Marisa Folgado