Reutilitzarlos

Reutilitzarlos is a term used in Catalan to denote reusing items rather than discarding them. It includes repairing, refurbishing, repurposing, and sharing products so their useful life is extended, aligning with the broader idea of a circular economy.

Practices under reutilitzarlos range from fixing a broken appliance, restoring old furniture, and adapting objects for new uses, to distributing goods through donation, resale, rental, or swaps. Design choices that favor durability and modularity also support this practice.

Environmental and economic benefits include reduced resource extraction, lower energy use, and less waste, along with potential job creation in repair and refurbishment. Barriers can include perceived repair costs, lack of knowledge, and challenges with reverse logistics.

Implementing reutilitzarlos involves design for durability, standardized components, clear labeling, and systems for collection, repair, and redistribution. Policies, incentives, and business models that promote repair, refurbishment, and resale help scale the practice.

Examples appear in electronics repair cafés, clothing swaps, furniture upcycling, and packaging reuse schemes. Encouraging reutilitzarlos supports resource efficiency and sustainable consumption patterns.