keräilytalous

Keräilytalous, often translated as "collecting economy" or "gathering economy," refers to an economic system where individuals or groups acquire goods and services primarily through collecting, reusing, repairing, and sharing existing items, rather than through the traditional model of production, consumption, and disposal. This approach emphasizes resourcefulness and sustainability, aiming to minimize waste and reduce the demand for newly manufactured products.

The principles of keräilytalous can manifest in various ways. It includes activities like scavenging for discarded materials, upcycling, participating in clothing swaps or tool libraries, and engaging in bartering or informal exchange networks. The focus is on extending the lifespan of products and extracting maximum value from them. This can be driven by economic necessity, environmental consciousness, or a desire to foster community connections.

While not a fully developed economic system in the modern industrial sense, the concepts of keräilytalous are gaining traction as societies grapple with resource depletion and environmental challenges. It promotes a circular economy mindset, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible, recovering and regenerating products and materials at the end of each service life. This contrasts sharply with a linear economy, which follows a "take-make-dispose" model. Keräilytalous encourages innovation in repair and refurbishment, and fosters a culture of shared responsibility for resource management.