In a more traditional context, reuse is using something again or longer than its intended or unintended use. A reusable water bottle or shopping pre-owned are what you might think of in terms of reuse. Reuse has expanded to form the sharing economy, a community in which individuals share resources with others. Ride share apps, online peer-to-peer trading (such as Airbnb, Vrbo), and workplace sharing are common examples of the sharing economy. A circular economy is a newer concept that is regenerative and restorative by design. Products are designed to be reused, repaired, and remanufactured, while waste and pollution are designed out. Reuse is certainly expanding! Reuse Minnesota and its members are committed to leading the reuse economy through education, measurement, and advocacy.  

Reuse guides & tips

Choose to Reuse
A Hennepin county website featuring a directory of places to sell, buy, donate, repair, rent and share items, local reuse events, and reuse tools and tips

Environmental Protection Agency
Think Green Before You Shop 
Reducing Waste: What You Can Do
Water Reuse and Recycling

Hennepin County Reducing Waste Guide
A guide containing waste reduction tips and activities

Hennepin County Zero Waste Guide
Tips and tricks for a low waste lifestyle

Plastic Free Future - Reuse Map
A searchable map that lists businesses that offer: bulk bins and refill stations, restaurants that partner with reusable take out services, and restaurants that offer reusables for on-site dining

Plastic Free Future - Reuse Map
A searchable map that lists businesses that offer: bulk bins and refill stations, restaurants that partner with reusable take out services, and restaurants that offer reusables for on-site dining

Planning

Do It Green! swap guide
A guide to planning and hosting swaps

Hennepin County swap party
A guide to planning and hosting a swap party

businesses & organizations

PlasticFreeRestaurants.org
Resources and subsidies for restaurants to go plastic-free

Reuse Explorations Guide
Innovative programs and strategies

Upstream Solutions
A public interest, non-profit organization accelerating real-world practical solutions to plastic pollution and today's throw-away culture

SCHOOLS & EDUCATION

Cultivating a Repair Mindset
A toolkit developed and tested by educators that teaches learning strategies, tactics, and classroom materials designed to develop students' Repair Mindset