Circular economy / The environment
Our values
One of Emmaus’ basic principles is living off the fruit of our labours and regaining dignity through work.
In the communities the companions regain their dignity by working on reuse initiatives. The funds raised from this work covers not only the costs of food and housing but also allow the communities to lead solidarity initiatives to support those “who are suffering the most”.
Fixing Objects in order to Fix Yourself
In the Emmaus groups and get-back-to-work schemes our reuse work provides a second life to both the objects collected and to the people involved in these activities. Often this helps the companions to take the first steps on the road to rebuilding themselves.
Emmaus is now one of the main stakeholders of the European social economy. The range of our income-generating activities is constantly growing (farming, solidarity food shops, zero waste restaurants, upcycling, etc.) but our initiatives always strive to help people who have had a tough time in life to rebuild.
© Emmaus Pampelune
Our initiatives
Political Campaigning and Working as part of a NetworkPolitical Campaigning and Working as part of a Network
Emmaus Europe is part of the European reuse network RREUSE. Our priority is to reuse rather than recycle wherever possible as reuse extends the lifespan of objects without having an impact on the environment. We also work with our partners, however, to reduce ultimate waste as much as possible.
Defend the social economy stakeholders
We also work with RREUSE to defend the key role of social economy stakeholders in the reuse and recycling sector. This sector is becoming an interesting market for non-social economy companies whereas we use its potential to support our social action and our solidarity initiatives.
Our various stances
European Union
Addressing the second-hand textiles crisis
The second-hand textiles sector in the EU faces mounting challenges. Oversaturation of the market, rising operational costs, and the influx of low-quality fast fashion are threatening social enterprises, environmental sustainability, and inclusive job creation.
Circular economy / The environment
France
Emmaus Terre, solidarity building and DIY!
With the launch of a brickworks and a building materials recycling centre in Brittany, in the west of France, Emmaus Terre is innovating, while remaining faithful to the Emmaus tradition of welcoming and building! We spoke to Clarisse, the group’s administrative, accounting and community officer, to find out more about it.
Circular economy / The environment
European Union
European Commission 2024-2029 : Austerity and competitiveness
We now know the list of European Commissioners put forward for the 2024-2029 term of office. It is no great surprise that the European Commission is heading in a worrying direction for the future of our activities and our values.
Tackling Poverty / Solidarity
European Union
Traceability: a strategic asset for Emmaus initiatives?
We met Elsa Delouche, Traceability and Reuse Officer at Emmaus France. Elsa supports groups towards establishing the traceability of donations.
Circular economy / The environment
European Union
European elections: a crucial issue for Emmaus
Between 6th and 9th June 2024, European Union citizens will elect the MEPs who will represent them at the European Parliament for the next five years. These elections will largely determine what Europe will look like over the coming years.
Tackling Poverty / Solidarity
Finland
Improving our ecological impact: Emmaus Åland’s experience
Emmaus Åland has developed a diagnosis to measure and improve its ecological impact. Martha Hannus, sustainable development coordinator, shares this project with us.
Circular economy / The environment
European Union
Open letter: Unlocking the role of the social economy for a fair Green Transition
Over 80 leaders from international networks, NGOs, and national organisations from 18 European countries have joined their voices in an open letter.
Circular economy / The environment
European Union
Emmaus at the European Parliament
On 31st January, Emmaus Europe organised a commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Abbé Pierre’s radio appeal. To mark the occasion, we took a piece of Emmaus straight to the heart of the European Parliament in Brussels, by recreating an Emmaus salon and setting up an exhibition on Abbé Pierre.
