REUSE - REAL LIFE EXAMPLES

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Most people are now aware of the need to reuse products, rather than disposal, when they are no longer wanted. More and more products, are manufactured so that they can be disassembled and their components used again, or so that they can be re-purposed.

BUILDINGS

Reusing buildings and changing their function, rather than a new build, is quite common. This is called ‘adaptive reuse’. Buildings designed for a particular use in one era, are often put to a different use in another era. Battersea Power Station built 1929 - 1935, is an excellent example of ‘adaptive reuse’.
It was decommission in 1975 and was given ‘listed building’ status, being of special interest, with its Art Deco design and brick construction. However, it became derelict, over the years. By 2014, after restoration and major reconstruction, it was re-purposed for up-market residential use, with restaurants and a selection of shops, offices, cultural spaces and other leisure facilities.

BEFORE RENOVATION

AFTER RENOVATION

GLASS BOTTLES

Glass can be recycled and glass products can be reused. The classic example is the glass milk bottle. The home delivery of milk, was extremely popular in the 1970s and 1980s. Households would receive a daily delivery and return the empty bottles, from the previous day. These would be cleaned and refilled with milk at a diary. Home delivery declined dramatically, due to competition from supermarkets selling cheaper milk, contained in plastic bottles or tetra packs.
However, the reuse of milk bottles is once again, seeing a growth in popularity. Many households have made the change back to glass bottles and even home deliveries, in an effort to reduce plastic / tetra pack usage.

CREATIVE REUSE

Creative reuse is where a product is upcycled (click here for link)

REFILLS

Some manufacturers / retailers, offer customers the opportunity to refill, rather than buying a new, container with its contents. Good examples of this are washing up liquid, washing powder and hand wash.
The customer reuses the original container and simply buys a refill, saving on packaging and plastic waste.

REFURBISHMENT

Generally, this means cleaning and repairing products for resale. A good example of this is furniture. There is a vibrant market in second hand furniture. For example, there are companies that perform house clearances. A house clearance usually takes place, when there is a need to clear an entire house, in preparation for sale. Typically, the company removes the furniture and puts it on display in their shop, for resale. Some furniture may need repair and cleaning, before it is put on display. Second hand shops are popular today and provide a welcome service, to people looking for quality, cheap furniture.

NEARLY NEW CLOTHES

There are a number of websites, offering a clothes resale service and they have become very popular. People set up an account, to sell and buy clothes, shoes and other accessories. The websites enable the customer to sell unwanted, quality clothes easily. This is a good choice for those that do not want to throw unwanted clothes away, or to store them.
The RealReal, Le Prix, Depop, Material World, Poshmark and Vinted, are a few examples of companies that offer this service.

FINDING A NEW USE FOR OLD YACHT SAILS

An eco-conscious South African company called Sealand Gear, reclaim old boat and yacht sails, banners and billboards. Most of this used and discarded material, would normally end up in a landfill, at the end of its useful working life and potentially pollute the environment. The company cleans the used material and transforms it into desirable, fashionable, sturdy bags.

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