The circular economy
It seems we are caught in a “take-make-waste” economy. Single-use plastic bags used for a few moments, plastic cutlery or plastic water bottles deployed when reusable versions are easily available, trendy fast fashion discarded after wearing only a few times, plastic giveaways for swag or party favors soon in the trash, a vacuum or other appliance with sealed parts that make repairs impossible… you get the idea!
Companies utilize resources, turn them into products, and we buy them, use them for a while (or maybe a few minutes!), and then throw them away. This is one of the reasons we have an ocean full of plastic and mountains of textiles.
Enter a concept called the circular economy. Circular means that the things that we design, produce and consume are things that can be repaired, shared, reused, recycled, etc. so that the life of the product is extended as long as possible.
And guess what, this is not just a nice theory. We have seen proof from around the world where countries are building real policies and systems to make it happen!
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In Europe, the circular economy has moved from concept to policy. The European Union (EU) has already adopted a series of laws under its Circular Economy Action Plan from 2020, and in 2026 it is expected to expand these efforts through what’s often referred to as the Circular Economy Act. The goal is to redesign how products are made, used, and reused across the economy. Some of the provisions:
Product durability and repairability standards, so items last longer
'Right-to-repair' protections, making spare parts and repair information more accessible (what a concept!)
Reduced waste and packaging, especially single-use plastics
Greater responsibility for manufacturers, including what happens to products at the end of their life (this one seems key!)
Support for reuse, rental, and sharing models, not just ownership of stuff
To understand progress, the EU measures something called the circularity rate. This number shows how much of the materials used are recycled or reused or repurposed instead of being thrown away. Right now, Europe’s circularity rate is about 12%, but the goal is to double it to 24% by 2030.
This shift matters because the manufacturing of new products is where most environmental impact happens –like mining raw materials, energy use and pollution. Extending the life of what already exists reduces emissions, conserves resources, and often saves money. Win win win!
Of course, the EU can act more unilaterally, while the US contends with a patchwork of laws from each state and inconsistent regulation from the federal government. But there can be no change unless consumers (and voters!) demand it.
Beyond creating demand, we also need to rethink “waste” as a design problem, and an opportunity for innovation. There are things big and small that we all can do to start changing this mentality.
Read on for how we all can create some of principles of the circular economy in our home, without heading to Europe!
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Embrace the Circular Economy at Home
Repair before replacing.
If something breaks, pause before tossing it. Many items like small appliances or clothing can be fixed with a little help. Look for Repair Fairs that pop up: SCARCE holds them regularly. We will also be hosting our first community mending event on April 18 with Sew with Sandy.Borrow or rent items you rarely use.
Power tools, party supplies, sports gear, and specialty kitchen items are great candidates for borrowing or renting. The Glen Ellyn Public Library has a library of things with everything from American Girl Dolls to sewing machines. Go Green Glen Ellyn will be donating an induction burner to the library soon for you to try in your kitchen! And guess what! Go Green GE is piloting a partyware rental so you can borrow wine glasses, plates, linens, etc. for your next party so that you do not have to resort to single-use plasticware. (i.e.less waste!) Email us for more info!Buy secondhand when it makes sense, or swap with others!
Thrift stores, resale shops, and online marketplaces make products last longer and reduce demand for new manufacturing. Plus, thrifting is fun as you can find the unexpected! We have loads of great thrifting in Glen Ellyn and the garage sale season is not too far off. We hear student groups in the area hold clothing swaps. Why not start one of your own? Go Green GE and the Park District also facilitate swapping gently used sporting equipment with our twice annual SportSwap! Next one is March 22nd (Swap or donate items from March 15-20 at Ackerman front desk.)Choose quality over convenience.
When you do have to buy new, higher quality things designed to last, with replaceable parts and minimal packaging. If we start demanding these elements, manufacturers will start to listen!Think about your food waste. Take a hint from Europeans who have smaller fridges and only buy what you need for the next few days. You can bring your own produce bags to the store or farmers market, consider getting a co-op share from a local farmer (reduces waste and transportation), and most importantly – compost! Glen Ellyn has a community program, but you can also compost in your back yard or in a table top machine.
Advocate for better Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy. Did you know that in Illinois, you are now able to recycle paint and batteries for free? This is a result of laws known as “Extended Producer Responsibility” (EPR), which make manufacturers responsible for the end of life of their products, either financially or operationally. Essentially, “you make it, you take it,” instead of placing the disposal burden upon consumers. The EU has identified batteries, electronics, and packaging as targets for EPR. While we have made some headway on the first two, we don’t have anything in place to address packaging. That means you need to vote with your wallet and support companies that reduce excessive packaging, simplify packaging for improved recyclability, and increase the use of reusable items and/or packaging. And advocate for policy and legislation that supports these goals! Learn more about the EU’s program.
If you have any ideas, we’d love to hear them!