NEWS: Reviving Value: CPU Slovenske Konjice’s Mission of Second Chances

Stepping into the reuse centre in Slovenske Konjice, you don’t quite feel like you’re entering a second-hand store. You feel like you’re wandering into a creative workshop of possibilities. At the heart of the town’s mission for a circular economy sits the Center ponovne uporabe, where items once on the verge of being discarded are given new life, new purpose, and new value.

Here, reuse is not just about saving an item; it’s about conserving resources, creating meaningful jobs, and rethinking our approach to waste. From furniture and electronics to clothing and toys, the centre works with local partners and the community to turn what was ‘used’ into what’s ‘useful again.’

We sat down with the team behind CPU Slovenske Konjice, Marinka Vovk, Director, and Nathalie Maccagnan, Project Coordinator, to talk about how upcycling, repair culture, and social enterprise come together in one place, and how their work is charting a path toward a more sustainable tomorrow.

• Let’s start at the beginning. How did the idea for the reuse centre in Slovenske Konjice come about? Was there a particular moment or story that sparked it?

Marinka: The idea for the reuse centre in Slovenske Konjice grew gradually, from a long-standing desire to give both things and people a second chance. It all began back in 1997, when I established the first waste management centre in Slovenia, located in Slovenske Konjice – the very first project of its kind in the country. Even then, I understood that waste is not the end of a product’s life cycle, but rather the beginning of something new. Later, due to changes at the local level, we moved to a new location on Tattenbachova Street, where the space had been abandoned for over 20 years. We renovated and revitalised it ourselves, transforming it into a functional and inspiring place. In doing so, we symbolically demonstrated that something once considered useless can be reborn into something valuable, just like the objects we rescue from being discarded every day.

In cooperation with JKP Slovenske Konjice, this project significantly increased the visibility of circular economy principles and raised awareness of resource limitations. Today, the centre is not only a place for reuse, but also a space for connection, learning, and inspiration, a place where every object and every person can truly start again.

• When you first opened the doors, what did the place look like, and what kind of energy were you hoping to create inside? 

Marinka: The very first Reuse Centre (CPU) was actually opened in Rogaška Slatina, in cooperation with the public company OKP Rogaška Slatina and its director, Mr. Bojan Pirš, M.Sc. The project was financially supported by the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities (MDDSZ), which made it possible to bring to life a vision we deeply believed in that waste can gain new value and, at the same time, create new opportunities for people. From the very beginning, there was an incredible synergy between the municipality, the public company, and us, who shared the belief that responsible material management can change the way people perceive “waste.” The space itself was modest at first, but filled with creativity, optimism, and a strong community spirit. Every item that arrived at the centre told a story of transformation, from discarded to reused, from forgotten to meaningful again.

We wanted to create not just a workplace, but a living space of community, where people come together to build something positive, sustainable, and deeply human. And that same spirit later continued and evolved in other centres, including the one in Slovenske Konjice.

• “Ponovna uporaba” is such a beautiful phrase; it literally means “use again.” What does that idea mean to you personally?

Marinka: For me, “reuse” is not just a practical act. It is a way of thinking about life itself. As a scientist in the field of biochemistry, I believe in the laws of entropy – the idea that everything in nature naturally tends toward dispersion, decay, and chaos. That’s why I see reuse as an act of resistance against entropy: a small but powerful effort to give things, people, and ideas new structure, new meaning, and new life.

When we reuse something, we are not just putting an object back into circulation; we are restoring energy, value, and humanity that would otherwise be lost. Everything that is reused carries the story of its past, yet becomes part of the future. It’s a beautiful thought that from disorder we can create harmony, from forgetting we can create memory, and from what was discarded we can create opportunity. For me, reuse is a form of respect for nature and for time. It is a quiet promise that nothing that still holds energy is meaningless. And when we translate this to society, it also means that no person is ever “waste”,  everyone deserves their second chance.

• Nathalie, could you walk us through what happens when something arrives here – say, an old chair or a broken lamp? How do you decide whether to repair, upcycle, or recycle it? 

Nathalie: When an item like an old chair or a broken lamp arrives at CPU, it is first assessed to see what condition it is in and what can be saved. If it only needs a small fix, it is repaired and prepared for our second-hand store. If it is too damaged to be restored in its original form but still has useful parts, it is upcycled into something new and creative. And if it can’t be reused at all, the materials are sorted and recycled responsibly by the waste management company. This careful process ensures that as little as possible goes to waste, giving each item the best possible second life.

• I imagine some items come with stories. Have you ever received something surprising or funny that ended up being completely transformed?

Marinka: Yes, almost every item that comes to us carries a story – and often, it’s these stories that give our work its deepest meaning. I remember a mother who once brought a box of her child’s outgrown clothes. They were full of memories – the first little trousers, a shirt stained with paint, a pajama from the time he learned to walk. Instead of throwing them away, she asked us to create something new, something lasting. From those tiny garments, we made a “memory blanket” – a soft, colorful quilt stitched together from fragments of childhood. When she picked it up, she said it felt as if all those moments were still there, just transformed into another form of warmth.

A similar experience happens when we receive the clothes of someone who has passed away. That work feels almost ceremonial, quiet, gentle, and full of love. From such clothes, we often create memory pillows or bags, objects that preserve the scent, the color, the touch of someone dear. Every stitch, every piece of fabric, becomes a way of keeping a person’s presence alive, carried forward through something that still has a soul. In these moments, I realize that reuse is not only an environmental act,  it is also an emotional process of transformation, where material and memory become one.

• What’s your favorite upcycling project so far? The one that made you step back and say, “Wow, we really did that”?

Marinka: Without a doubt, it’s Studio KroG – the first example of its kind in Slovenia, where you can truly feel complete circularity. It’s not just a space; it’s proof that we can create a system where nothing new is made from virgin materials, but everything from what already exists. The project consists of six repurposed containers – two in Slovenske Konjice and four in Rogaška Slatina – all redesigned according to the principles of reuse. Everything, from the structure to the interior design, was created from discarded materials: textiles, wood, metal, and repurposed household items.

When I first stood in the middle of the space, I felt that this was the physical manifestation of an idea we’ve been talking about for years – that the circular economy is no longer just a concept, but a living system connecting people, resources, and creativity.

Studio KroG goes beyond conventional thinking about waste; nothing in it is “new,” yet everything works harmoniously, functionally, beautifully, and full of meaning. This project constantly reminds me that the only real limits are the ones we create in our minds. Once we overcome them, we discover that true innovation lies in reusing what we already have.

• The center isn’t just about things, it’s also about people. How does your work here create opportunities for those who might otherwise have a harder time finding employment?

Nathalie: Working there creates valuable opportunities for individuals who might otherwise struggle to find employment, such as those with limited experience, long-term unemployment, or social challenges. The center provides hands-on training in repair, sorting, and customer service, helping people build confidence and practical skills they can use in future jobs. It also offers a supportive and inclusive environment, where teamwork and mentorship foster personal growth and a sense of belonging. In this way, CPU not only gives materials a second life,  it helps people rebuild theirs, promoting dignity, self-worth, and social inclusion.

• What does a typical day at the center look like? Is it busy, creative chaos, or more calm and organized?

Nathalie: A typical day at the Reuse Center is a mix of energy, creativity, and teamwork. In the morning, our staff sorts through donations from our network, everything from furniture and clothes to electronics, deciding what can be repaired, upcycled, or recycled. All textiles are sorted manually by two of our employees. All electrical and electronic devices are stored aside to be sent to CPU Ormož, where we have our specialist who will inspect them for reuse. The day is punctuated by customers who make donations and who want to find the unique object! During the workshops, there is a surge of joy and curiosity, and creativity without limits.

• I know you’ve hosted workshops and events, like Repair Cafés. How do those help bring the community closer to the idea of reuse and sustainability?

Nathalie: Workshops and community events like Repair Cafés play a powerful role in promoting reuse, sustainability, and community spirit.  Workshops and events like Repair Cafés help bring people closer to the idea of reuse and sustainability by turning environmental values into hands-on experiences. They encourage participants to repair rather than discard items, promoting a culture of reuse and reducing waste. At the same time, these events foster skill-sharing and collaboration, allowing people to learn practical repair techniques while connecting with others in their community. By showing the positive impact of small, local actions, Repair Cafés raise awareness about sustainability, strengthen social ties, and demonstrate how communities can work together toward a more circular and environmentally conscious lifestyle. Workshops like Repair Cafés turn sustainability from an abstract concept into a lived, social, and practical experience.

• Sometimes people think “second-hand” means “less valuable.” How do you change that perception and show that reused or upcycled things can be beautiful and unique?

Nathalie: Changing the perception that “second-hand” means “less valuable” starts with showing that reused and upcycled items can be beautiful, creative, and meaningful. By highlighting their uniqueness and stories, we can help people see them as special rather than inferior. Attractive displays, positive language like vintage or pre-loved, and making reuse feel stylish and desirable. Workshops, community events, and storytelling also help people understand the environmental and emotional value behind reuse.

• Have you seen a change in how people around Slovenske Konjice think about waste and reuse since you started?

Marinka: Yes, the change has been both profound and inspiring. I was actually the first in Slovenia to start separate waste collection activities within the company EKO, where we introduced the first organized system of waste separation in the country. At that time, people didn’t really understand why separating waste mattered or what difference it could make. Through awareness campaigns, education, and leading by example, we began to show that it’s not just about waste, it’s about responsibility toward nature and future generations.

Later, in Slovenske Konjice, I established the first eco-school, which soon became a model for others. Within a few years, all local primary schools joined, and they remain part of the eco-school network to this day. That was a turning point, when a shift in mindset truly began. Children started teaching their parents why separation and reuse are important, and gradually, these values became part of daily life and community identity.

As the first Reuse Centre in Slovenia, we proved that real change begins where solutions are created right in the community, among the people. Today, people understand that reuse and waste separation are not just environmental actions, but shared values that benefit everyone: the environment, society, and the individual. And what’s most rewarding, they genuinely appreciate it.

• What’s the most rewarding part of your work that makes all the effort worth it?

Nathalie: The most rewarding part of our work, especially in workshops focused on sustainability or repair, is seeing people feel empowered and inspired. When participants realize they can fix, create, or transform something with their own hands, it sparks confidence and pride. That moment of “I did it!” makes all the preparation worth it. It is also deeply rewarding to get smiles and thanks. Knowing that the workshop has reduced waste, built skills, and strengthened community spirit gives CPU a lasting sense of impact that goes far beyond the event itself.

• And on the flip side, what’s the hardest part about running a place like this?

Nathalie: The hardest part about running a Repair Café workshop is often balancing organization, resources, and engagement. It can be challenging to manage a wide variety of items people bring in to repair, some of which may be difficult or impossible to fix on the spot. In addition, maintaining motivation for future events can be tough, since these workshops usually rely on participants’ energy.

• If someone wanted to start a reuse or upcycling project in their own town, what advice would you give them?

Nathalie: If someone wanted to start a reuse or upcycling project in their town, the key is to start small, build community, and stay creative. Begin with a clear goal, such as focusing on clothing, furniture, or general repairs, and connect with local groups and volunteers who share similar interests. Promote the project through social media and local networks, highlighting the fun and positive impact of reuse. Most importantly, keep it inspiring and inclusive so people feel that sustainability is not just good for the planet, but also rewarding, social, and full of creativity.

• Finally, when you walk through the center at the end of the day, surrounded by all these revived things, what feeling stays with you?

Nathalie: At the end of the day, we have a deep feeling of satisfaction, warmth, and quiet pride. Each repaired or upcycled object tells a story of effort, creativity, and care, and together they reflect what a community can achieve when people come together with purpose. We have a sense of hope and connection, knowing that every small act of repair helps build a more sustainable future.

A New Life for Old Things. And for the Community

As the conversation wraps up, it becomes clear: the reuse centre is more than warehouses of old things. It’s a centre of new chances for objects, for people, and for our environment. Every resurrected appliance, repaired piece of furniture, and item resold with purpose is part of a larger story of resourcefulness, care, and community.

In Slovenske Konjice, this centre shows that a circular economy isn’t abstract; it’s practical, personal, and local. It’s about pulling value out of what we once labelled ‘waste’ and recognising that second lives matter. At the end of the day, the message is clear: what was nearly lost can become part of something meaningful if we view things not as disposable, but as opportunities.