The New Chic: Repair, Reinvent, Reuse

On December 14, 2025, local initiatives in Mauritius demonstrate that sustainable change can start simply at home. Upcycling is emerging as a creative alternative to the common instinct of buying new when renovating homes. Everyday items like a sauce jar turned into a vase, a pallet converted into a sofa, or cushion covers dyed with onion skins illustrate a growing philosophy among Mauritian households that encourages the idea of seeing the 'old' as a resource rather than waste.

Pioneers like Stéphanie Bouloc and Victoria Desvaux, through Zero Waste Mauritius (ZWM), show that circular economy concepts can transform both homes and mindsets. "There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather many small steps toward more conscious consumption," explains Stéphanie, who founded La Déchetèque and Kase Ranze to give new life to materials from renovations and deconstructions.

Practicing reuse at home can take many forms: buying second-hand instead of new, supporting artisans who work with upcycled materials, and creatively repurposing items. Simple actions like these extend the life of objects.

Repairing is often easier than one might think. A piece of furniture with loose handles or textiles that can be saved with a simple stitch helps prevent the throwaway mentality. Victoria Desvaux, a circular economy consultant, believes that often only basic tools are needed. Resources for learning how to repair are abundant online.

"You don’t need to invest in expensive tools; borrowing from friends or family can suffice," says Stéphanie. She emphasizes that with a little creativity, almost anything can be reused, from sauce jars as storage containers to chipped plates as saucers for flower pots.

The imagination can serve as a powerful tool in repurposing items. Examples such as a metal drum turned into a table or a palette redesigned as a sofa show the endless possibilities. Victoria also highlights that household textiles can be reinvented: leftover fabric can become patchwork cushions or old t-shirts can be crocheted into rugs.

The barriers to repair often include a lack of knowledge, fear of failure, or time constraints. However, ZWM is ready to provide resources and connections on social media, with a future online mapping service to guide users.

If an object is beyond repair, its materials can still be valued. For instance, wood from an old piece of furniture can be repurposed for a new project. Victoria shares her experience of using salvaged materials to create new furniture in her home. She reminds us that even when recycling is needed, it is crucial to know how to handle electrical and electronic equipment properly.

Encouraging local artisans and new creators who focus on upcycling, like Save A Sail and Nouvelle Usine, demonstrates the creativity emerging in Mauritius. These initiatives spark hope for a culture that values sustainability.

Ultimately, the goal is responsible consumption. "Extending a product's life through repair or reuse is key to responsible consumption," emphasizes Stéphanie. Both she and Victoria stress the importance of questioning our habits and considering whether we really need to buy new.

To foster a circular economy, measures like reducing VAT on second-hand and repair initiatives could support local efforts. Awareness campaigns will also be essential to promote viewing the 'old' as a resource. They believe that second-hand, upcycling, and repair can be trendy and provide unique pieces that help reduce environmental impact.

As a final thought, both Stéphanie and Victoria advocate for integrating repair education into schools, promoting practical workshops for adults, and creating community spaces focused on creativity and reuse.

Three simple practices to adopt at home include replacing plastic bottles with reusable ones, composting organic kitchen waste, and donating functional items to NGOs instead of throwing them away.

Repairing old furniture can be as easy as sanding, painting, or changing handles. Many objects can be saved with minimal effort. Online platforms like kaseranze.mu offer opportunities to buy or sell used materials, making renovations accessible and environmentally friendly.

In conclusion, the message is clear: rethink, repurpose, and embrace a sustainable lifestyle that values creativity and resourcefulness.