Rediscovering Sustainable Practices
A Report from the ‘Let’s Choose Reuse’ Panel and the Launch of ‘Towards a Culture of Reuse’
Reviving Community and Sustainability
In a world increasingly driven by disposable culture, communities are rediscovering the power of reuse and repair. These practices are not just about reducing waste; they represent a return to collective responsibility, traditional skills, and sustainable living. On November 20, 2024, the “Let’s Choose Reuse: Communities of Reuse Practice” panel and the presentation of the guide Towards a Culture of Reuse gathered activists, artisans, and educators to discuss how reuse initiatives can foster both environmental sustainability and social resilience.
The event highlighted the power of grassroots efforts to revive traditional skills and adapt them to modern challenges, strengthening communities in the process. This initiative is part of the Erasmus+ project Towards Communities of Reuse Practice, co-funded by the Erasmus+ program (KA220-ADU – Cooperation partnerships in adult education). Led by AMPEU, the project is implemented by Zelena Akcija (Croatia) in partnership with Ecorec (Greece) and Volonterski Centar Vojvodine (Serbia).
Let’s Choose Reuse: Building Sustainable Communities
The Let’s Choose Reuse panel featured speakers from Croatia, Serbia, and Greece, each showcasing how reuse initiatives not only reduce waste but also strengthen social ties. A key takeaway from the discussion was that sustainability is not just about the environment; it is about fostering relationships, knowledge-sharing, and collective action.
Thematic Approaches to Reuse and Repair
Rather than being isolated country-based efforts, the panel demonstrated that reuse initiatives are connected by common themes. These cross-border approaches illustrate the shared value of sustainability efforts worldwide and emphasize the intersectionality of sustainability, social inclusion, and practical skill-building.
Creative Upcycling and the Circular Economy
Many initiatives demonstrated how discarded materials can be transformed into functional and artistic creations, fostering sustainability and economic empowerment:
Snježana Horvatić Popović (Croatia) showcased upcycling textiles into wearable art, proving that sustainability and creativity go hand in hand.
Matija Čukelj (Croatia) from the Upciklići initiative emphasized how upcycling reduces waste and raises environmental awareness.
Milica Dukić (Serbia) illustrated how art can be a medium for sustainability, bringing communities together around environmental goals.
Katrin Kretschmer (Greece) from Shedia street paper highlighted how social enterprises repurpose materials while employing marginalized groups.
Repair Culture and Community Sharing
Encouraging repair instead of disposal was another dominant theme, with speakers highlighting repair workshops and tool-sharing initiatives as essential for extending product lifespans and promoting sustainable lifestyles:
Zvonimir Lozić (Croatia) discussed the impact of community repair workshops, where participants learn hands-on skills while fostering resourcefulness.
Library of Tools (Beli Manastir, Croatia) presented an innovative approach to tool-sharing, allowing residents to borrow tools rather than buy them.
Giorgos Makridis (Greece) from Epanekkinisis advocated for extending the life cycle of electronic devices to reduce e-waste and promote digital inclusion.
Education and Awareness-Raising
Sustainability efforts thrive when they are embedded in education and public engagement. Several speakers emphasized the importance of raising awareness and teaching reuse principles:
Dragica Mateković Rubić (Croatia) highlighted education as a driver of change through the Zero Waste Program, empowering citizens to take action.
Chrysoula Kotonia (Greece) from the Civitanideos Public School of Arts and Professions discussed integrating reuse concepts into curricula to shape sustainable future generations.
Ivana Morarević (Serbia) promoted workshops that teach traditional crafting techniques, blending sustainability with cultural heritage.
Socially Inclusive Reuse Practices
Beyond its environmental benefits, reuse fosters social inclusion by supporting vulnerable groups and strengthening local communities:
Maja Kutlača (Croatia) from the Ecological Association “Krka” Knin demonstrated how environmental activism can engage diverse demographics.
Martina Tajalić (Croatia) from Sunce – Split, Šizika emphasized the role of community-led sustainability projects in building long-term awareness.
Katarina Kostić (Serbia) from an informal group Novosadska razmena knjiga showcased how book swaps not only promote literacy but also reinforce the value of reusing everyday objects.
These initiatives highlight that reuse goes beyond being just an environmental practice; it serves as a powerful tool for strengthening communities, sharing knowledge, and promoting intersectional sustainability efforts that combine environmental, social, and educational dimensions. During the project activities, the teams reflected on the many local and self-governed initiatives that, while actively contributing to their communities, often lack visibility and social media exposure.
Towards a Culture of Reuse: A Guide for Community Engagement
Following the panel discussion, the launch of the guide Towards Communities of Reuse Practices provided a structured approach to implementing reuse initiatives within communities. Unlike previous sustainability guides that focus on individual responsibility, this guide highlights the importance of collective action in achieving meaningful, long-term impact by offering practical, step-by-step methodologies for sustainable change.
Key Takeaways from the Guide
- Community Engagement Matters: Reuse and repair initiatives thrive when they are collective efforts, fostering cooperation and volunteerism.
- Practical Implementation: The guide provides step-by-step instructions for organizing reuse and repair events, ensuring accessibility for communities at different stages of development.
- Awareness Raising: By emphasizing education and consciousness-building, the guide aims to cultivate a culture where reducing waste becomes second nature.
- Skill Development: Repair and reuse activities equip people with practical skills, enabling them to be more self-sufficient and resilient.
- Social Inclusion: Special attention is given to working with marginalized groups, ensuring that sustainability efforts are inclusive and equitable.
- Cross-Border Collaboration: Available in multiple languages, the guide serves as a tool for fostering international cooperation in sustainability efforts.
By providing actionable methods and real-life examples, the toolkit Towards Communities of Reuse Practices serves as a blueprint for communities to integrate reuse practices seamlessly into their daily lives, driving organic and lasting change.
Conclusion: A Shared Future of Sustainability
The Let’s Choose Reuse panel and the launch of Towards a Culture of Reuse reinforced a crucial message: sustainability is a collective effort. By embracing reuse and repair, communities can reduce waste, preserve traditional skills, and build social resilience. Whether through upcycling, repair workshops, education, or inclusive initiatives, these efforts pave the way for a more connected and environmentally conscious future. The path forward is clear—let’s choose reuse, together.
Take Action: Download the Toolkit
To help communities and organizations implement reuse initiatives effectively, we invite you to download the Towards Communities of Reuse Practices toolkit. This comprehensive resource offers step-by-step methodologies, real-life case studies, and practical guides to help you create impactful sustainability projects.
Join the movement towards a circular and sustainable future by integrating reuse practices into your community today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the Towards a Culture of Reuse guide?
The guide provides communities with practical tools and methodologies to implement reuse and repair activities, promoting sustainability and social inclusion.
How does this project contribute to sustainability?
By fostering reuse and repair practices, the project reduces waste, extends product life cycles, and strengthens community ties through collective environmental action.
Who can benefit from this initiative?
Local organizations, volunteer networks, educators, and active citizens looking to engage in sustainability efforts can find valuable insights and strategies in this project.
How can I get involved?
Interested individuals and groups can organize reuse workshops, participate in tool-sharing initiatives, or advocate for sustainability practices in their communities. Downloading the toolkit is a great first step to getting started!
