In order to maximise the potential reach for our used resources we must look to remove as many barriers to reuse as possible. Zero Cost Scotland believes the main barriers preventing the maximisation of the resource's reuse potential to be financial barriers.

The current circular system encourages the resale of our unwanted goods via private marketplaces, the second hand retail network i.e. charity shops and similar second hand outlets. If we (or these retailers) can't sell our goods, we/they are then encouraged to recycle them. Trading cash for clothes or breaking down our goods into material components (wood, metal etc) to sell on.

Zero Cost Scotland imagine a circular system that prioritises reuse of our goods in their 1st generation form rather than maximising the financial value that can be squeezed out of that resource at every stage of its life cycle. By redesigning the circle to prioritise zero cost redistribution of resources, we have the potential to divert tens of thousands of tonnes of goods back into use, diverting millions of tonnes of CO2 via the avoidance of recycling, landfill and incineration, whilst slowing the demand for the manufacture of new goods.