#We Choose Reuse

Sign the #WeChooseReuse Commitment

We choose reuse

As an individual:

✅ I choose reuse and refill over single-use, prioritising long-lasting products and packaging rather than disposable ones.

✅ I choose to support the cafés and restaurants that champion reuse over single-use and that accept reusable cups, containers and bottles for take-away.

✅ I favour grocery stores that offer packaging free and refill options and that allow me to use my own containers to purchase food and other products in bulk.

✅ When shopping online, I prioritise providers that offer reuse and refill options.

As an NGO:

✅ We commit to collaborate with decision makers, at all levels, to develop enabling policy frameworks for reuse systems.

✅ We commit to challenge businesses to champion reuse systems, and showcase real solutions, to accelerate the normalisation of reuse systems.

✅ We commit to equip consumers to make informed choices, by providing them with information and tools.

We demand that national & EU decision-makers choose reuse

In order to make reuse the new normal, decision-makers must: 

✅ Set reuse targets for each sector, including for transport, retail, food services and e-commerce.

✅ Set EU harmonised designs for containers, in order to scale-up reuse, as well as promote systems, such as deposit-return schemes, that support reuse.

✅ Adopt complementary measures, including targeted bans on single-use products, and economic incentives to implement reuse. 

✅ Adopt public procurement policies that prioritise reuse services and products, for publicly-run and sponsored events and facilities.

We call on producers, retailers, cafés & restaurant chains to choose reuse

In order to have reuse options for consumers in every sector, they must:

✅ Commit to a plastic footprint reduction policy, in order to dramatically reduce single-use plastic production and use.

✅ Reveal publicly their action plan with a timeline, which shows measurable, independently audited results by 2023.

✅ Reinvent delivery, retail and takeaway systems that disincentivize single-use, throwaway packaging; and prioritize significant investments in reusables and refill systems.

✅ Collaborate with producers, retailers, governments, and NGOs to create scalable, standardised and reusable solutions — including support for ambitious legislation that rewards plastics reduction, incentivises reuse systems, deposit return schemes, and penalises the overuse of plastics. 

✅ Avoid false solutions, such as single-use bio-based, biodegradable and compostable alternatives.

✅ Remove hazardous chemicals and materials from their products and choose toxic-free materials and products.

We demand that local public authorities choose reuse

In order to enable reuse for all citizens at the local level,  public authorities must:

✅ Promote local, environmentally-friendly alternatives to single-use and implement economic incentives that support and prioritise reuse, such as deposit systems on reusable containers for beverages and food, or free tap water in public spaces.

✅ Introduce relevant local ordinances that prohibit and tax single-use items, and facilitate greater reuse and repair initiatives. 

✅ Adopt public procurement policies that prioritise reuse services and products within municipally-run and sponsored events and facilities.

✅ Deliver clear and locally-tailored communications, explaining not only how, but also why, such measures are important and beneficial to the protection of the natural environment and the creation of local jobs.

✅ Monitor and analyse the remaining residual waste, to identify products and materials that need to be redesigned for reuse.

Dive deeper into Reuse

Participating NGOs