Written by Kat Will of Instant Neighbour.
At Instant Neighbour, we are proud to play a vital role in advancing the circular economy by reducing waste, promoting sustainability, and fostering social inclusion. Through our work, we extend the lifespan of goods, reduce environmental impact, and empower communities.
At the core of what we do is championing reuse, a cornerstone of the circular economy. By collecting, refurbishing, and redistributing furniture, appliances, and household goods, we prevent these items from ending up in landfill. This reduces demand for new resources and the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing. Our efforts help Scotland achieve its ambitious targets to lower landfill usage and greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, only around 1.3% of Scotland’s economy is circular[1], highlighting the significant scope for improvement and the importance of our work in driving progress. Additionally, Scotland’s population consumes nearly double the world average in terms of resources, underlining the urgency of transitioning to more sustainable practices.[2]
Aligned with Scotland’s Zero Waste Plan, which prioritises waste prevention and reuse, we are keen to show how local organisations can support national goals. By repairing and repurposing items, we minimise environmental harm while conserving resources. This work demonstrates the viability of reuse as a scalable solution.
In November 2024, we had the opportunity to attend the Circular Communities Scotland Annual Conference, a significant event that brings together organisations, policymakers, and individuals dedicated to advancing the circular economy. This conference provided a platform to share best practices, learn about innovative approaches, and collaborate with like-minded groups. As attendees, we participated in discussions about the challenges and opportunities within the reuse and recycling sectors, contributing insights from our experiences at Instant Neighbour.
Our presence at the conference also allowed us to showcase our achievements and highlight the impact of our work in communities across Scotland. We engaged with other participants to exchange ideas and explore potential partnerships that could enhance our efforts to promote sustainability and social inclusion. The event underscored the importance of collective action and the role of grassroots organisations, like ours, in driving systemic change. By attending, we not only gained valuable knowledge but also strengthened our commitment to making Scotland’s circular economy a reality.
With all this in mind it still remains important to repeat much of what we have already gone over, until the correct message strikes a chord. What will it take for us to achieve everyday circularity? What can we learn from our current behaviours at home and our transition to a circular economy?
At the James Hutton Institute in Aberdeen this is exactly the type of research they conduct. With their valuable research we learned that 98% of Scotland’s products consumed came form newly extracted materials with a small amount returning to the economy for reuse – the James Hutton research shows us the potential and great missed opportunities we have in Scotland.[3]
We believe that at the very core of the matter we need a reinterpretation of ‘value’ with an emphasis how we can gain economic benefit from reframing it.
Reframing Value
Changing our attitude toward reused furniture requires a cultural shift. By reframing value, we can see second-hand items not as leftovers, but as opportunities to personalise our spaces sustainably. Reuse is not a compromise, it is a conscious choice that reflects our commitment to the environment and future generations.
Embracing reused furniture is a step toward a more sustainable, mindful society. Let’s celebrate the beauty in breathing new life into old treasures—because the greenest furniture is the furniture that already exists
Economic Benefits
Opting for reused furniture isn’t just good for the planet—it’s also financially savvy. Pre-owned items are typically more affordable, making it easier for individuals and families on tight budgets to furnish their homes. This approach is especially relevant during economic challenges, where cost-saving measures are increasingly important.
Moreover, reuse creates jobs in refurbishment and resale industries, supporting local economies and encouraging skill development. Programmes offering employability training, such as those linked to reuse charities, show how the third-sector can have both social and economic benefits.
Did you know we offer employability training across all our sites? We have volunteers who gain valuable knowledge on reuse, upcycling and the reselling of items. We also provide work experience and training in retail and office skills.
Our Shops
We have two retail offerings at Great Western Road and St Machar Drive, Aberdeen which host a variety of reuse furniture, bric-a-brac, textiles, clothing and we also provide access to low-cost carpets and flooring. By having these shops, we are not only able to be self-sustaining, but, it allows us the opportunity to showcase what we believe the third-sector can contribute towards reuse and Scotland’s Circular Economy.
Our Online Shop
By having an online store, Instant Neighbour is able to reach a wider audience and spread awareness about the importance of reuse. Our Customers can easily browse through a variety of items, make purchases, and have them delivered right to their doorstep. This convenience not only encourages more people to shop sustainably, but also supports our efforts to reduce waste. One way we encourage consumer confidence when shopping online is through the use of our honesty dots. We carefully examine all our donated items, ensuring they pass the Revolve standard for Scotland’s second-hand items, before they are attentively photographed and sold online – knocks and bumps included!
Why should you support Instant Neighbour?
Supporting Instant Neighbour means supporting a greener, more sustainable future. Every purchase made through our online store help fund our programmes and initiatives aimed at reducing waste and promoting reuse. By choosing to shop with Instant Neighbour, you are not only getting quality goods at affordable prices, but also contributing to a positive environmental impact.
So, the next time you're in need of a piece of furniture, or even some kitchenware, consider checking out our online shop, or visit us instore. Not only will you find great deals, but you'll also be supporting a worthy cause and helping to change attitudes towards reuse.
Let’s do Net Zero together. It begins with you.
