October is Circular Economy Month in Canada, an important time for us to revaluate our consumption and work towards a greener future.
What is the circular economy?
Circular economy is a new way of looking at how we use—and ultimately reuse—materials and resources. Historically, products have been produced and consumed through a linear process (make, take, waste). A circular economy moves beyond the linear approach to create a more sustainable, closed-loop system where resources are kept in circulation for as long as possible.
How can you participate in the circular economy?
Share: Borrow, rent, and share products instead of buying new items. Through this shift, manufacturers are incented to make longer lasting and more efficient products that are smartly designed with durability, repairability, and reuse in mind.
Repair: Choose repaired and refurbished products, find repair manuals and learn how to do-it-yourself, support local repair shops, and mend your clothing to extend the life of your items.
Reuse: Find other purposes for items instead of throwing them in the garbage. Support reuse by participating in container reuse programs, choosing reusables over single-use, swapping, reselling, or donating.
Recycle: Support companies that offer to take back products or packaging after use. Purchase products and packaging containing recycled materials.
Advocate: Connect with your community to inspire change!
To learn more about Circular Economy Month visit https://circulareconomymonth.ca/