Circular Economy

So what does this term “circular economy” actually mean?  It means a shift from our current linear model of ‘Take, Make, Break, Dispose’ to a circular economy model that’s about designing waste and pollution out of our systems, valuing materials that have been extracted and manufactured, keeping them in the economy and out of landfill. In practice, it means innovation in sustainable manufacturing and packaging, local solutions to problematic waste and industrial processes that reuse materials. For example, local repair cafes and tool libraries can help facilitate avoiding waste and providing alternatives to our throw away culture.

Reuse and repair of goods and materials is critical for a more sustainable circular economy where products and materials remain in circulation, reducing pressure on virgin resources and minimising waste.

Why is it important? The Circular Economy (CE) has the potential to fundamentally reshape the way global production and consumption is organised, and is currently emerging as one of the key framings for development of waste and natural resource management policies around the world.

Take Action

Buy durable products: look for lifetime warranties and products that come with repair manuals.

Reuse and buy reusable where possible.

Find out more:

  • Recirculator: The Northern Rivers Regional Circular Economy Accelerator – Led by Southern Cross University, ReCirculator is a research hub and technology brokerage that connects NSW Northern Rivers businesses in a circular economy ecosystem of cutting-edge technology.
  • Australian Circular Economy Hub
    The ACE Hub’s key role is to establish the network that will support collaboration and knowledge-sharing so that all those active in circularity in Australia can optimise their collective impact.
  • Aspire
    ASPIRE is an online matchmaking tool using innovative software, for material resource exchange that would otherwise be discarded, by bringing different parties together to exchange value.
  • NSW Circular 
    Circular economy, policy, finance and investment.