‘In the linear economy, raw natural resources are taken, transformed into products and get disposed of. On the opposite, a circular economy model aims to close the gap between the production and the natural ecosystems cycles – on which humans ultimately depend upon.’ (Circular Economy: Definitions, Principles, Benefits and Barriers, YouMatter)
Today, most products are created with a linear economy in mind. Where something is made to be bought and used, but eventually thrown away. Since the introduction of recycling, the world has tried to move towards eliminating waste by providing us with an opportunity to divide our rubbish into sections: cardboard and paper, tins and glass, and plastic. The idea behind this is that items coming packaged in these materials can be ‘easily’ collected, sorted through, recycled and reused.
We now know that it is not that simple. Statistics have shown us that a lot of materials do not get to their final destination. In 2017, around thirty five thousand tonnes of plastic was made, approximately two thousand tonnes was recycled and approximately five thousand tonnes was combusted. That leaves around twenty six thousand tonnes in our landfills. (Facts and Figures about Materials, Waste and Recycling, EPA.GOV)
So how can we encourage brands to move towards a circular economy, and what can we do as individuals to try and limit our waste as much as possible? On Circle-Economy’s website, they list the 7 key elements of a circular economy as being:
Prioritising regenerative resources
Preserving and extending what is already made
Using waste as a resource
Rethinking the business model
Incorporating digital technology
Collaborating to create joint value
We’re already seeing companies being built with a circular economy at the forefront. Electronics company Fairphone sell phones with the workers and the product in mind - they ensure everyone in their supply chain is treated fairly and they deliver a product designed to last and that is easily fixable (unlike apple who design their phones to break down over a certain period of time). They also ask for you to send back your old phones, so that they may break them down correctly, and salvage what they can to reuse.
Fashion brands, like TattyMoo, Ilk + Ernie and Desert Fox Collective, design and produce clothing with less waste at the heart, by only using dead stock. This way, they help the environment by not producing more fabric, (which we know is a huge producer of greenhouse gasses each year), but by taking surplus fabric and giving it new life. Accessory brands Forage and Find Me, CLED and Argent Silversmith also reuse materials such as plastic waste found on beaches, glass and gold to create beautiful, one of a kind pieces.
Through these companies, we see the start of a future where using dead stock, recycled materials and waste can become a common, normal thing. Through their leadership and initiative, we may (and hope to!) see other companies following where they tread. It’s important to remember, though, that these products ultimately come to us and so, we also play a part in the life of an item. Most of my waste is either food scraps, or recycling, but there are a few things I do in order to keep my waste at a minimum, (which has some hoarding tendencies), but I do try to use every last piece of material. For example:
When out food shopping, I try to find items that come in glass jars over tins, boxes or plastic packaging. Because I buy things in bulk, I’m always needing jars to put loose nuts, seeds, flour, cereal... anything and everything in! Buying items in glass containers ensures two things, the first being that I’m not buying storage containers, and the second being that I’m giving something already existing a second life.
When I have things delivered to my home I keep the cardboard boxes. This way if I need to send someone a package, or wrap a present, I usually always have a box to use. I don’t need to buy a new one. I also save wrapping paper and gift bags to reuse. If I can save it, I will.
I still have a 1L bottle of shampoo that has been going strong for almost a year now and when it’s empty I’ll keep the container and use it again at a zero waste shop here in Paris which sells bulk shower gel, shampoo, laundry detergent, washing up liquid... you name it, they have it. Have a look if there’s a zero waste shop like this in your area and use your bottles time and time again. If plastic is good at one thing, it’s good at not breaking down. By keeping it, you’re ensuring it doesn’t sit on a landfill for eternity, and ensuring that you have a sturdy container for liquids for years to come!
The idea behind a circular economy means everything can be used, reused and repurposed time and time again. Nothing is thrown out or discarded, but passed on to be given a new form of life. If you have things you no longer want or need, don’t discard them. Offer them to friends and family or charity shops. Attend swaps, flea markets, host a wardrobe clear out with your pals... anything is better than the bin. There are so many good swap apps out there (OLIO is one of my faves and works well in the UK, if anyone has an alternative that is good for France, please let me know.)
As always, all sources and brands mentioned are linked above. I’d love to know your thoughts on a circular economy. Do you think it’s possible? Do you think something like this could be implemented on a global scale soon? I think there’s a lot of work still to be done, but hopefully we can, one day, live in a world where everything produced is made to last, and can be easily given a new life if needed.
