Redefining how we use and reuse resources

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circulareconomy-35-2-min

If you’ve never heard of the term ‘circular economy’, you’re not alone. Apparently only 15% of Australians are familiar with it. Luckily, you don’t need to know what it’s called to participate.

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THE CORE CONCEPT

A circular economy strives to keep valuable resources in circulation, and out of landfill.

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THE PROBLEM

The traditional linear economy of the world uses resources and generates waste at an estimated rate of 1.7 times what the earth can support on a long-term basis.

This means it now takes the Earth one year and eight months to regenerate what we consume in a year.

In contrast, a circular economy offers an alternative, where all materials are treated as precious resources, with nothing thrown away.

We keep a product in use for as long as possible and then, at the end of its life, recover the materials for reuse.

In this model, anything that ends up in landfill is a lost opportunity, and a waste of valuable resources.

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What can you do?

Although the term ‘circular economy’ might be unfamiliar, the good news is that many Australians are actively choosing sustainable options in their everyday lives. If you are opting for reusable shopping bags and coffee cups, avoiding single use plastics, making purchases with longevity in mind, and actively seeking out reusable and recycled packaging, then you’re part of it!

It’s important to support all stages of the circular economy. These are the top actions you can take today:

Buy products that last

We know it’s tempting to buy a cheap product. But if it only lasts half as long as the product that costs twice as much, you can replace the product and be no worse off financially.

The resources used in two cheap products will cost our planet around twice as much as those used in the one more expensive product.

Avoid single use items

There are so many alternatives, and you know the drill:

  • Remember your shopping bag every time.
  • Get a reusable coffee cup.
  • Say no to a straw.
  • Remember your refillable water bottle.
Repair when possible

If you’ve bought a good quality product, it’s more likely that it will be worth repairing.

Sometimes you can even repair it yourself. YouTube videos are a great resource for learning how. And tools can sometimes even be borrowed from community tool libraries.

Buy products that have been designed for end of life

Some manufacturers have a product stewardship program in place. This means that you can return the product to them at the end of its life for recycling. Some clothing chains are now offering this, and it is particularly helpful for furniture and carpets in office fit-outs.

Buy previously used products

Let’s redefine the word ‘fashionable’ to mean taking care of the planet, and we can do this by being proud of second-hand or pre-loved clothing. Buy vintage, use online exchanges or resale platforms, and participate in organised clothes-swap ‘swishing events’.

Improve your recycling

Are you as good as you think you are? Learn how to stop “wishcycling” and really get your recycling act together…