Making reuse "normal"

In a previous post, I shared a story in which my child tried to nudge me away from some free items on the curb I was eyeing because he knew I was violating social norms. Even with  my willingness to go against the grain, I know that my projects only make a small dent in materials that could be reused. In making my garden apron, I reused two whole pairs of jeans. True shifts toward sustainability are going to require much bigger shifts in societal thinking and behavior. 

To explore how to enable these shifts, I spoke with Emily Barker about the role of government in promoting more sustainable behavior. Emily is a solid waste specialist with the City of Saint Louis Park in Minnesota.   

Emily said that she came from a family of "fixers" and that influenced her. We also talked about how mending and reusing items had been a necessity in the past. Emily remarked that it has only taken two generations for us to lose the skills that allowed us to repair things. 

Emily described the complexities of promoting reuse. "People can get frustrated about being told what to do," she said.  We can't implement a reuse plan like sending a recycling truck down the street. It's hard to message." 

To address these complexities, she began organizing city-wide swaps in 2017.  "It's about making reuse culturally normal. There are people willing to go to a swap over a thrift store.  There seems to a lower barrier."  

She added that clothing swaps keep things cycling and also show people how much clothing there is out there. The swaps Emily has organized have grown in attendance over the years.  The next swap that Emily is organizing is on May 20 and is a gardening swap. 

These swaps also promote neighborhood connections. Emily recounted a story about an older city resident who was downsizing  and who arrived at a gardening swap with an array of tools, eager to give them so someone who could use them.  A young couple who had just purchased a house and did not have money to purchase new items were able to fully equip themselves with what they needed. Emily talked about how satisfying it was to witness a connection like that. 

I have been thinking a lot about the incentives in our society that keep us consuming and I was curious to know more about the incentives for government to promote consumption.  I asked Emily point blank about how reducing consumption affects a government entity that is reliant on tax revenue. She pointed out there are ways to promote economic activity without promoting the needless consumption of resources. St. Louis Park has compiled a directory and she was surprised by how many repair and reuse businesses she was able to find in a town of 50,000.

Emily also acknowledged that reuse could be difficult for people. You might have to wait to get something. For those who don't find reuse practical for their lives, she recommended really thinking about what you need and buying high quality items that will last. 

Emily also provided some hope for the future by sharing a story about her six-year-old.  The child had received a gift with a number of items that were wrapped and commented how wasteful it was.  "If kids can learn, then it will only be time," she said.