Local Commerce Benefits From A Circular Economy

There is movement arising to developing a more sustainable Circular Economy (CE) to accommodate the almost 70% of the population settling in and around cities. As the cities increase in population so does their need for more goods and resources. In today’s Linear Economy, “Take-Make-Use-Dispose” system is rapidly using up our resources and generating an exuberant amount of waste.

A CE would allow cities to reduce their dependencies on importing resources and reducing, or even almost eliminating, waste production.  There will be economic opportunities through innovation, job creation and more efficient resource mitigation. CE practices are expected to reach US$4.5-trillion in economic activity by 2030. To achieve the goals of eliminating waste, repurposing resources, and sustainable living we need to transform the way we design, produce, and use products.

Europe, China, and Japan are far ahead of Canada at embracing the Circular Economy, especially with regulations and incentives to support businesses. The Carbon Tax can be used to implement a CE helping the government meet its greenhouse gas reduction targets while developing a sustainable, low carbon, resource efficient and competitive economy.

Everyone, including Citizens, Companies, and Governments need to work together to live with the planet instead of being a parasite.

A not-for-profit alliance, The Circular Economy Leadership Coalition (CELC), was formed in September of 2018 by NGO leaders, think tanks, and sustainability experts looking in developing ways to adopt sustainable, prosperous, zero-waste, low-carbon-emitting solutions for a global Circular Economy. They believe that Canada can become a world leader in building a CE that benefits the lives of people at home and abroad. CELC wants to provide thought leadership, technical expertise, and a collaborative platform for an accelerated transition to a Circular Economy.

Even though several major companies, like Unilever, IIKEA, and Canadian Tire have joined the coalition, much more needs to be done faster to achieve these ambitious goals. Citizen-led initiatives are needed to encourage cooperation with local manufacturers, retailers, and governments to promote the manufacturing of more durable, repairable and recyclable products. As support, we can make a move to purchasing only products that use recyclable/reusable packaging, made locally, and sustainably produced.  

There are many ways we can achieve a CE, but we need everyone’s cooperation to accomplish it. Make A Difference in our economy and take the steps towards improving the economy, our environment, and improving our lifestyles. Become part of the M.A.D. Movement that is creating a new and better world for all. It is time we cleaned up the mess that the Industrial Age has left us, pollution and global warming.