How can you implement a circular economy in your community?

One thing I’ve found helpful is to focus on a big picture vision of where the community is headed. What would a win win win solution look like? Sometimes when you inspire people, they innovate and create a whole new system. The things you thought were problems disappear because you created a more holistic approach.

Before any of these items, peoples minds need to be changed and an emotional link made to thier actions and impacts. Without genuine 'buy in' from the wider community and political leaders, anything the Circular Economy supporters do is seen as something that others do and not what we all need to be

I highly recommend taking a multi-species approach here, to ensure inclusion of all living bodies and other entities in your community. Does this sound vague? If we do not include the fungi undergroudn keeping our soil healthy, the river that provides water and serves as a buffer during rainy periods, the bees that pollinate our crops, we only asses a partial system. A more-than-human perspective on your community will make you aware of the intricate connections that exist between humans and nature (of which humans are an integral part). By being aware of the entangled web of relations, we can start building a more resilient and circular community.

To implement a circular economy in your community, start by assessing the current situation. Look at how things are done now - like waste management, resource usage, and local business practices. When I did energy audits, this first step was crucial to identify where changes could be made, like suggesting a switch to solar power for local businesses. Actionable advice: Conduct a community audit to pinpoint where resources are being used and wasted. Talk to local businesses, check out waste management systems, and see where there's room for improvement. This assessment lays the groundwork for introducing circular economy practices like recycling programs, local sharing systems, or community renewable energy projects.

The most impactful solutions I have found are truly open source. The easier it is for someone to participate, the more engagement you will see. The organic nature of conversations going in as many directions as possible gives you a more holistic picture of what is possible to help the most amount of people. Sometimes a simple Telegram thread or WhatsApp community can tackle mountains. For the nomadic and conscious community folks, these are the tools they use to repurpose, reuse, up cycle, and recycle massive amounts of resources in their communities that are decentralized around the world.

The second step is to create opportunities and accessibility to make a difference. You can teach as much as we like, but none will change unless it is easier than what they currently do

Three things that I find useful is to engage stakeholders by analysing each stakeholders needs and frustrations, and find out how we can solve these problems ánd contribute to our higher goal: building sustainability into our communities. It is important to take an open-minded and more-than-human view here: stakeholders are not just the humans in our communities. The wildflowers, pollinating insects, underground fungi, trees and other organisms have a stake here to. We are dependent on them for food, healthy soil and well-being. By considering nature not as a resource, but as a partner, we are much better able to create circular and resilient communities.

. Educational Initiatives: Fostering a culture of environmental awareness is essential for a successful circular economy. Conduct workshops, seminars, or community events to educate residents about the benefits of circular practices and how they can actively contribute to a more sustainable community.

2. Repair Workshops and Skill-sharing: Empowering community members with the skills to repair and maintain their belongings contributes to a circular economy. Establish repair workshops where individuals can learn how to fix broken items, from electronics to clothing. This not only extends the lifespan of products but also reduces the need for constant replacements. 3. Urban Farming and Community Gardens: Incorporating urban farming initiatives and community gardens into your neighborhood promotes sustainable living. Growing local produce reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and fosters a stronger connection between residents and their food sources.

Add in celebrate and share. Improvements will occur naturally as more people share their achievements others will learn better ways

Make it fun. Add some colours and excitement. Most of what I see and hear is bland and instructional, do this and don't do that. People are fed up with being 'told' to conform or what they must do.

I recommend collecting and sharing stories from the experiences within your community to share with and inspire others within and outside of your community. These stories should be playful, contain elements of reflection and even emotion. Short stories about how you as a community overcame certain adversities in working towards circularity inspire others, but also stories about bumps in the road. It will show that moving towards circularity and resilience is not a straight line and that you need to keep the bigger picture in mind.

Implementing a circular economy in your community is a collective effort that requires the active participation of residents. By embracing practices like community exchange hubs, repair workshops, urban farming, and integrating AI for resource matching, your community can pave the way for a more sustainable future. Let’s work together to create a thriving circular economy that benefits both the environment and the well-being of our community.

Above all else, legislation applied to the manufacture of goods that requires anything to be designed for a second or third life, and have proven opportunities to recycle and return.

Community Exchange Hubs: Setting up local exchange hubs where residents can sell, donate, or exchange used items creates a thriving circular economy. These hubs can be physical spaces or online platforms where people can list items they no longer need, reducing the demand for new products and minimizing waste. AI Integration for Resource Matching: Imagine an AI-powered model that efficiently matches resources within the community. Whether it’s connecting someone with a spare lawnmower to a neighbor in need or creating a list of local needs and resources, AI can enhance the circular economy by optimizing the allocation of goods and services.

Uma possibilidade para contribuir com a implementação da Economia Circular é a criação de oficinas e laboratórios para uso da comunidade, a fim de melhorar os serviços de reparo e conserto de produtos, principalmente eletrônicos. Seria uma forma de garantir soluções para defeitos apresentados, evitando o "descarte", além de aperfeiçoar mão de obra e consequentemente, gerar renda.