When you think of the term “circular economy”, you might think of natural fibre clothing, glass water bottles, and biodegradable materials.
But by definition a circular economy is the continuous reuse of materials so that nothing is wasted, merely transformed. It is part of the overarching conversation of circularity and how it is the key to sustainability and lowering carbon emissions.
Also called “cradle to cradle”, it’s the opposite of the linear economy (in which items are manufactured, used, and disposed of, generally in a landfill or incinerator).
Here is why a circular economy is needed and how we all can participate to achieve circularity:
Drawing inspired by Braungart & McDonough, Cradle to Cradle