Image credit (above): Eco Life
Each year – globally – we are using almost twice as many resources as the planet can regenerate within that same year. Unfortunately, that is the good news, if everyone in the world lived like the average Canadian, we would need 5 Earths to support our rate of consumption (Global Footprint Network).
Here’s the simple truth, humans produce WAY too much waste! We make products, consume them and then throw them away, littering our planet along the way – you may sometimes hear this referred to as the linear economy -make, take and waste.
What if there was a different way? A better way! Inspired by the natural world, a circular economy operates as a closed-loop system – where materials and resources can be recycled and/or reused for as long as possible, and almost nothing is wasted.
“Circularity incorporates better design that consumes fewer raw materials during production, maximizes value during use, and improves products and services that significantly reduce or eliminate waste” – Circular Economy Month
Take cell phones for example, when we want the latest phone, we tend to throw out the old one, probably before it stops working. In a circular economy, smart phones would be designed so they could be repaired more easily. And when they stopped working they would be simple to take apart so that the precious metals and materials inside them could be reused in another product, or returned safely to nature (National Georgraphic Kids).
Luckily, circular economies are growing globally due to the incredible economic, environmental and social benefts produced. October is Circular Economy Month, an opportunity to build awareness about the circular economy and celebrate circular innovations.
Launched by Circular Innovation Council for the first timein 2022, Circular Economy Month is Canada’s first-ever public awareness campaign dedicated to educating and empowering Canadians to support an economy that delivers on the most important values of Canadians: protecting the planet and prioritizing people. During October, Canadians are invited to learn about the circular economy, celebrate individual and collective efforts, embrace circular solutions, and encourage others to take action.
Circular Economy Month is broken down into four themes, one for each week of October:
Week One – Introduction to Circular Economy
Week one starts off with an introduction to a circular economy. Within a circular economy, products are designed to optimize their lifecycle – maximizing the value of the materials and wasting nothing..
Week Two – Environmental Benefits of Circular Economy
Week two focuses on the environmental benefits of the circular economy, and there are many. A circular economy can help tackle climate change, reduce water pollution and improve water conservation, increase resource recovery, increase biodiversity, reduce waste and expand the definition of wealth.
Week Three – Waste Reduction Week in Canada
Waste Reduction Week has been celebrated in Canada since 2001. During week three, the spotlight is on waste reduction with a different theme everyday: Circular Economy Innovators Monday, Textiles Tuesday, E-Waste Wednesday, Plastics Thursday, Food Waste Friday, Sharing Economy Saturday and Swap and Repair Sunday.
Stay tuned for more information on ecoCaledon’s next Repair Cafe taking place on Saturday November 18th!
Week Four – Social and Economic Benefits of Circular Economy
During the final week the focus is on the social and economic benefits of a circular economy, including: job creation and skills development, increased affordability, prosperous and healthy communities and community engagement and empowerment.
There are many ways for individuals, communities, schools, businesses and governments to get involved. Check them out HERE!
“There’s no such thing as ‘AWAY’. When we throw anything away, it must go somewhere” – Annie Leonard, The Story of Stuff
