Having worked in or with the circular economy for what I suspect is longer than most, this is one thing which still maddens me - the fact that it still so often isn't evident that resource consumption has to reduce. In fact I go as far to say that a business model which remains predicated on consumption growth cannot ever be circular (do the math(s)). Therefore the thing to change is less about the product, and much more about the business model, processes and behaviours: Look for alternative ways to generate revenue which are divorced from consumption growth and design a process which nurtures this!
Thanks Arthur, glad my take resonates with a circular expert! Have you seen any good examples of business models and processes that get it right? Thank you!
Thank you in fact for your continued communication of facts and practical advice! I know I have said that before, and doubtless I shall say it again. We need more like you!
Yes, is the quick answer to your question. In terms of a great case study on how to do it I would point you to Manymoons - America's first circular retailer. I have to declare an interest here - I'm on the advisory board. However I do that because they do lots of great things, rather than the inverse!
In more general terms - models which design for, and take proper account of, the retained future value of the products and materials involved are generally off to a very good start. This is one of the key steps to unlock the possibility to offer more to your customers (in terms of service and in terms of "value" beyond the purely financial) without having to increase costs. In fact taking proper account of this retained value means that you needn't rely on a single transaction to cover costs - you design a process and systems which ensure that you will have multiple transactions/interactions, in a way that is nigh on impossible in a linear model. And this is without mentioning the value of being at the centre of the flow of information and being at the hub of the conversation which a well-designed circular model delivers (i.e. even more examples of value creation separate from resource consumption growth).
Thanks for linking to the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project site, Kim! Great to see you and show you around - enjoy the marsh goggles...they get better with use!
We put in a heat pump ca. 6 years ago but needed to chose the “auxiliary” source because it gets cold sometimes here in N Carolina. We chose LP gas because we already had a gas tank for cook stove. Ugh! Trying to find someone who can convert the auxiliary-heat piece inside the unit to electric (resistance, I guess?) rather than replace the whole unit. Ideas anyone? Eventually will replace cooking range w/ electric and ditch all propane!
I often ponder how to spend money in an environmentally sustainable way. For example , I buy most of my clothes at second hand stores and can thus afford to donate to environmental causes. However, I would like to buy clothes which are produced by fair trade practices, use natural materials, and sold by local businesses. But of course, these cost much more. In the long run, which approach do you advocate.
Having worked in or with the circular economy for what I suspect is longer than most, this is one thing which still maddens me - the fact that it still so often isn't evident that resource consumption has to reduce. In fact I go as far to say that a business model which remains predicated on consumption growth cannot ever be circular (do the math(s)). Therefore the thing to change is less about the product, and much more about the business model, processes and behaviours: Look for alternative ways to generate revenue which are divorced from consumption growth and design a process which nurtures this!
Thanks Arthur, glad my take resonates with a circular expert! Have you seen any good examples of business models and processes that get it right? Thank you!
Thank you in fact for your continued communication of facts and practical advice! I know I have said that before, and doubtless I shall say it again. We need more like you!
Yes, is the quick answer to your question. In terms of a great case study on how to do it I would point you to Manymoons - America's first circular retailer. I have to declare an interest here - I'm on the advisory board. However I do that because they do lots of great things, rather than the inverse!
In more general terms - models which design for, and take proper account of, the retained future value of the products and materials involved are generally off to a very good start. This is one of the key steps to unlock the possibility to offer more to your customers (in terms of service and in terms of "value" beyond the purely financial) without having to increase costs. In fact taking proper account of this retained value means that you needn't rely on a single transaction to cover costs - you design a process and systems which ensure that you will have multiple transactions/interactions, in a way that is nigh on impossible in a linear model. And this is without mentioning the value of being at the centre of the flow of information and being at the hub of the conversation which a well-designed circular model delivers (i.e. even more examples of value creation separate from resource consumption growth).
Thanks for linking to the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project site, Kim! Great to see you and show you around - enjoy the marsh goggles...they get better with use!
Awww thank you so much Dave for the tour! I rented an electric Go Boat with friends and boated past some marshes in Copenhagen last weekend! :)
We put in a heat pump ca. 6 years ago but needed to chose the “auxiliary” source because it gets cold sometimes here in N Carolina. We chose LP gas because we already had a gas tank for cook stove. Ugh! Trying to find someone who can convert the auxiliary-heat piece inside the unit to electric (resistance, I guess?) rather than replace the whole unit. Ideas anyone? Eventually will replace cooking range w/ electric and ditch all propane!
Thank you--this is a much needed reminder of how much we can do by doing with less. And it’s just not that hard--but we do need reminders!
Great to see marsh restoration, they are such important and neglected habitats.
I often ponder how to spend money in an environmentally sustainable way. For example , I buy most of my clothes at second hand stores and can thus afford to donate to environmental causes. However, I would like to buy clothes which are produced by fair trade practices, use natural materials, and sold by local businesses. But of course, these cost much more. In the long run, which approach do you advocate.