Reuse is good for the planet, your wallet, and the community. It helps extend the lifespan of objects by promoting the circular economy. However, it still has room to grow in France. Ecomaison is committed to making it second nature for everyone. Here’s why it’s essential. 

Understanding re-use

The Challenges and Impact of Reuse

Reuse is the best way to give your items a second life and turn them into more sustainable resources.

Why is reuse so important today?

Reuse is a good thing. It’s good for: 

• the environment. It helps prevent waste and conserve natural resources by reducing the production of new materials.

• the economy and society. By extending the useful life of a product, it helps reduce waste management costs for the community. An item donated to an organization in the social and solidarity economy (SSE) can be resold at a fair price while supporting the work of those who reuse them.  
• your wallet! 

Reuse: Everyone’s Responsibility 

This affects everyone 

• Individuals: We all have items at home that are still in good condition but that we no longer use. Instead of throwing them away, think about reusing them! 
• Businesses: Do you usually sort your waste at home? Do the same at work! Armchairs, filing cabinets, office cabinets… Collection and recycling solutions are available for employers (businesses, government agencies, etc.) who want to dispose of their old equipment for reuse or recycling.
• Local governments: Through their financial support for local social and solidarity economy (SSE) organizations, the provision of dedicated reuse spaces at recycling centers, and the provision of facilities for nonprofit organizations, they play a key role in promoting the development of reuse in their communities.

Local players in the reuse sector 

Right in your neighborhood, local social economy organizations are driving the reuse sector throughout France:  

• Thrift stores, recycling centers, local organizations, and social reintegration programs (such as Emmaus, Restos du cœur, and Secours Populaire) collect, sort, and sometimes repair items, then return them to the market through donations or resale at affordable prices.

And also: 

• consignment shops, flea markets, antique dealers, auctioneers
• collaborative platforms, such as Le Bon Coin and Vinted
• donation apps, such as Geev or Donnons.fr

Reuse in Action: Ecomaison’s Role and Initiatives

As an eco-organization, Ecomaison organizes and supports the development of reuse networks in France. The goal is to create momentum and maximize the potential of reuse through: 

• Partnerships:We build local connections between our retail members and social economy organizations. On one hand, retailers collect used products throughtheir buyback programs; on the other, organizations gain access to a high-quality, local supply of goods. 
• regular calls for proposalstosupport the development of the reuse market in France
• promoting reuse andraising public awareness  
• measures toorganize and scale up the flows
• strengthening the network anddeveloping new markets 

The good news? This approach to reuse—which is essential for protecting the environment—applies to every item in the home, including building materials! 

How to Practice Reuse in Your Daily Life

Are you moving, or do you have plans to redecorate or renovate your home? Are your children growing up or leaving home to start their own families? There are countless reasons to declutter and get rid of items you no longer use. Consider reusing them. 

Adopt smart consumption habits

When making purchases: 

• Buy products that will last.  
• You might also want to consider buying secondhand items. 
• Take care of them: have them repaired or fix them yourself—they’ll last longer that way! 
• Consider renting, borrowing, lending, and sharing. 

When it's time to get rid of your belongings: 

• Rule number 1: Give rather than throw away! Donate items that are still usable to a social and solidarity economy (SSE) organization. They can be refurbished and resold at affordable prices, while supporting the work of the organizations that reuse them. A double benefit for the environment and the community! You can also give items to friends and family, and if no one is interested, post an ad on a sharing economy platform. 
• Another option: return them to the store. Most retailers offer this option, sometimes in exchange for a store credit.  
• As a last resort, take them to a recycling center, preferably one that has a reuse area. This will give them another chance at a new life. 

Our tips

Furnishings 

• Furniture and home textiles: Give them a second life! Drop off unused items and textiles at a collection point, or have your store take them back when your furniture is delivered. 
• Bedding: Only donatemattresses, comforters, and pillows to charities if they are in good condition. Otherwise, return them to the store. 

Building products and construction materials 

• Are you replacing carpet, updating your bathroom fixtures, or tearing down a wall? Think about reusing materials right from the start of the project! Separate items that can be reused from those that need to go to the recycling center, and carefully set aside the reusable items. This will give them a chance to be reused. 
• Reach out to specialized material banks to collect your donations. Some organizations (such as Emmaus communities and resource centers) are also looking for secondhand building materials. 

Garden DIY Projects 

• Go through your toolbox and get rid of duplicates and items you never use. These items can easily be refurbished for reuse. Sometimes a simple sharpening is all it takes.  
• Take your items—even damaged ones—to reuse and recycling centers. Some items, such as a watering can, may be of interest to people who frequent these places in search of items to recycle and repurpose creatively. 

Games and toys 

• Think about repairing it yourself before throwing it away: toy manufacturers are making replacement parts available for their products to extend their lifespan and keep the fun going. 
• Are there a few missing pieces in your puzzle or cards missing from your favorite board game? Don’t throw them in the recycling bin! Give them to social enterprise organizations: they can collect the pieces to put together complete games.