genbruges

Genbruges is a term used to describe the practice of reusing goods and materials to extend their life cycles and reduce waste. In discussions of sustainability and the circular economy, genbruges refers to activities that reuse, refurbish, repair, or repurpose items instead of discarding them after first use.

The word is rooted in Northern European languages; genbrug is a native term in Danish and Norwegian for reuse, and related forms appear in other regional languages. The English form genbruges is sometimes used in advocacy materials and on online platforms to evoke organized reuse networks.

In practice, genbruges encompasses a range of activities: second-hand retail stores, repair cafés, community collection points, upcycling workshops, and online marketplaces that facilitate trading used goods. It is often promoted as a complement to recycling and waste reduction, with emphasis on longevity, design for durability, and repairability. Genbruges networks often operate within local communities, sometimes pairing with educational programs to encourage responsible consumption and resource mindfulness.

Impact and challenges: benefits include reducing landfill, conserving resources, supporting local economies, and lowering emissions associated with production. Challenges include ensuring product safety and quality, managing logistics and transportation costs, building consumer trust, and the need for clear labeling or reporting to measure reuse rates.

See also: recycling, second-hand economy, repair cafes, circular economy.