Imagine if the only emoji for the word "sun" in your messages, is this emoji 🌛 available. The same thing happens with "Reuse." We have neither an emoji nor a combination of symbols to express it. In its absence, the Recycling emoji is used instead, even though these two concepts refer to very different processes and issues. But, the problem is deeper than that; having only one emoji available, that of Recycling, maintains a single vision: that of an economy based solely on Recycling. However, as the transition of models is underway and must accelerate, out of common sense and necessity, it is imperative to illustrate other more virtuous models such as Reuse. Representing things makes them exist. Creating a :reuse: emoji would symbolize this sustainable and desirable solution; disseminate it widely, and encourage it in daily life.

A well-defined concept, not to be confused with Recycling

Often confused with Recycling, Reuse is a concept in its own right, with its own legal definition and objectives set by laws: the PPWR in Europe, the anti-waste law for a circular economy (AGEC) in France, the waste and contaminated soils law (LRSC) in Spain andn the packaging act (VerpG) in Germany. The waste management strategy prioritizes three actions for its optimization. We speak of the 3R Hierarchy: reduce, then reuse, and finally recycle. Reuse involves retrieving products instead of throwing them away, to give them a second life. By cleaning, repairing, or revising them, they are used again for the same purpose as originally intended. Recycling is a set of processes that subject the product, now waste, to heavier treatments in order to reintroduce some of its materials into the manufacture of new products.

In everyday life, consumer behaviors are also very different. Take the example of a glass bottle. In the case of Recycling, the bottle is thrown into the trash. It is then transported to a sorting center and to a foundry where it will take on a new form. In the case of Reuse, we return our bottle to a reuse collection point (store, terminal, etc.). The original bottle is not destroyed to make a new one. It is washed, dried, and ready to be reused. This requires significantly less energy than recycling.

An already widespread practice in many sectors

Reuse is part of our daily lives and accompanies the transformation of our society. It concerns almost all sectors and consumer goods: high-tech, appliances, textiles, packaging, automotive, furniture, construction, etc. We buy refurbished computers and phones, we return our empty packaging to collection points, we repair our cars with used parts, we buy second-hand clothing, we repair our shoes, we furnish company offices with used furniture, we build buildings with materials from old sites. Integrating a :reuse: emoji would represent all the ways we already practice this philosophy in everyday life and also those that are likely to develop. A :reuse: pictogram already exists on the labels of our reusable pots and bottles. It has been in circulation for several years in the French market. Adapting this pictogram could become the :reuse: emoji.

A virtuous practice that aligns with the course of history

In France, the waste treatment sector emits as much greenhouse gas as the aviation sector. More than half of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the production of consumer goods (including extraction and processing). It is necessary to develop and promote more sustainable consumption models. By giving multiple lives to our packaging or our objects, reuse helps reduce waste, pressure on biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions related to our production and consumption patterns. Representing Reuse with an emoji would elevate it, give it substance and visibility: illustrating the transformation of practices, allowing companies to showcase their actions on social networks, helping individuals encourage their community to consume better. A company that acquires a fleet of refurbished computers could use the :reuse: emoji and announce it far more effectively and with greater impact.

Like Recycling, Reuse must be included in the emoji library. Creating a :reuse: emoji will make it visible and accessible to everyone: the general public, companies, and policymakers. The integration of a :reuse: emoji will contribute to accelerating the development of more sustainable production and consumption models. The emoji, through its daily use, strong and universal symbolism, is the best way to achieve this quickly.