REStore Definitions

I enjoy receiving the RE Store’s email newsletter. They are a vibrant organization with so many inspiring activities. To find out more about the RE Store and/or to subscribe to their newsletter, go to http://www.re-store.org/.

I especially enjoyed their recycling words definitions. My favorite being OBTANIUM -aka, free loot!

RE Definitions

The English language is a mish mash of many languages. It is also great fun to twist and contort for your own purposes. Here are some terms and phrases that spring from the rebounding values of reuse, recycling and waste reduction.

Upcycling:
Using low-value or ordinary objects to make something extraordinary

Obtainium:
Any item, found or obtained for free

Closed loop:
Waste or byproducts of one process or product is used in making another product. Also known as cradle-to-cradle

Adaptive re-use:
method of preservation where a building retains its signature visual elements, but the structure is used for a purpose other than originally intended

Life cycle costing:
evaluation technique which determines the total cost of acquisition, operation, maintenance, and disposal of items being acquired

Product take-back:
A form of extended producer responsibility that requires companies to take back their products after the consumer is ready to replace them or throw them away

Waste stream:
The flow of waste material from source to disposal

reprinted from the REstore email newsletter, June 2009