Uudelleenkäyttelyn

Uudelleenkäyttely is a Finnish term that translates to "reuse" or "repurposing" in English. It refers to the practice of using an item again for its original purpose or for a new purpose without significant modification or reprocessing. This concept is a core component of waste reduction and sustainability efforts, aiming to extend the lifespan of products and minimize the need for new resource extraction and manufacturing.

The principles of uudelleenkäyttely are often seen as a hierarchical approach to waste management, typically placed above recycling but below reduction and refusal. By reusing items, energy consumption and pollution associated with manufacturing new products are avoided. Examples of uudelleenkäyttely are diverse and can range from simple everyday practices to more complex industrial applications.

Common examples include using reusable shopping bags instead of single-use plastic ones, refilling water bottles, donating or selling unwanted clothing and furniture, and repurposing glass jars for storage. In a broader sense, it can also encompass using discarded materials as components in new creations, such as building with reclaimed wood or transforming old tires into garden planters. The emphasis is on maintaining the form and function of an object for as long as possible, thereby reducing its environmental impact.