Have you ever heard of the Social Solidarity Economy (SSE)? Behind these three letters lie economic, social and ecological initiatives that, for example, give objects a second life. We'll tell you all about it, and how you too can get involved and take action!
Circular economy vs. market economy: what's the difference?
In the conventional economy, you buy, you use, you throw away. This is what we call the market (or linear) economy, and it depletes the planet's resources.
Conversely, the circular economy is based on a simple principle:
- Reduce waste as much as possible
- Repair or reuse objects
- Recycle what can no longer be used because it is too damaged
👉 120 seconds to understand reuse and recycling
Ever heard of the butterfly effect? Every little bit counts.
And when an entire class, college or town gets involved... the impact becomes truly powerful - for the planet and all its inhabitants (including us 😉
SSE: companies like no other
To make the switch to "circular" mode, you too can get involved in initiatives and adopt solutions that encourage best practices. In particular, you can rely on players in the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE): associations, cooperatives or solidarity-based companies committed to society and the environment.
Unlike conventional companies, their priority is not profit, but impact. Profits are reinvested to further their mission.
With more than 200,000 structures and 2.4 million jobs in France, the SSE is a model of the future to support!
In the field of reuse and recycling, you may already know some of them:
- EmmaüsEmmaüs, which recovers, repairs and resells furniture, clothing and other items at low prices 👉 Visit an Emmaüs center with Ecomaison in this video.
- Ressourceriesand recycleries collect your old objects and give them a second life. There are nearly 300 in France.
- Integration companies, which train people who are far from employment in the recycling and reuse professions... Like the Réseau Enviewhose aim is to help unemployed people by giving a second life to washing machines, consoles and smartphones (known as "reconditioning").
It's a good idea to give rather than throw away!
Have you outgrown your game or toy? Give it a second life via an association or SSE structure. Someone else will benefit, and you'll be preserving precious natural resources.
👉 With Ecomaison, find out where the nearest suitablecollection point is.
Ecomaison x ESS: concrete actions that work
At Ecomaison, we work with SSE players to collect, sort and reuse as many household items as possible.
For example, in partnership with the Aima association, Ecomaison has made it possible to donate hundreds of tables to charitable associations and organizations, with the help of outdoor furniture company Fermob.
Ecomaison also organizes a number of collection drives in schools to raise children's awareness of the second life of toys.
How do you boost your "butterfly effect"?
Invite your school to take part in a toy drive and find out what incredible route the collected toys will take in this Ecomaison video.