WASTE WISE MORNINGTON PENINSULA
A COMMUNITY HUB DEDICATED TO MINIMISING WASTE, MAXIMISING RESOURCES AND SAYING GOODBYE TO LITTER
JOIN THE PENINSULA'S CIRCULAR ECONOMY
If we could build an economy that would use things rather than use them up, we could build a future.
Ellen McArthur
THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
The UK based Ellen McArthur Foundation is committed to shifting the world to the new circular economy.
They work closely with decision makers at all levels and have a steadily growing bunch of big brand supporters committed to help shift the system (IKEA, Danone, Google, H&M, Unilever to name a few).
Ellen McArthur says changing to a circular economy involves these 3 steps:
1. DESIGN OUT WASTE & POLLUTION
Waste and pollution are largely a result of the way we design things. They are not accidents, but the decisions made at the design stage arewhere around 80% of environmental impacts are determined. By changing our mindset to view waste as a design flaw and harnessing new materials and technologies, we can ensure that waste and pollution are not created in the first place.
2. KEEP PRODUCTS & MATERIALS IN USE
What if we could build an economy that uses things, rather than uses them up? We can’t keep wasting resources. Products and materials must be kept in the economy. We can design some products and components so they can be reused, repaired and remanufactured. But making things last forever is not the only solution. When it comes to products like food or packaging, we should be able to get the materials back so they don’t end up in landfill.
3. REGENERATE NATURAL SYSTEMS
What if we could not only protect, but actively improve the environment? In nature, there is no concept of waste. Everything is food for something else - a leaf that falls from a tree feeds the forest. Instead of simply trying to do less harm, we should aim to do good. By returning valuable nutrients to the soil and other ecosystems, we can enhance our natural resources.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Ellen McArthur Foundation: Developed and promotes the idea of a circular economy. They work with, and inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.
Victoria’s circular economy business innovation centre: Recently launched by Sustainability Victoria. Events, insights and funding opportunities. This year’s focus is food and organics!