5-19-2022 11:20pm

What is the Circular Economy? Yesterday it Was: Waste Not Want Not

Lorraine Mabbett Editor

A circular economy has been defined by the U.S. Environmental Products as

A circular economy, as defined in the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, refers to an economy that uses a systems-focused approach and involves industrial processes and economic activities that are restorative or regenerative by design, enable resources used in such processes and activities to maintain their highest value for as long as possible, and aim for the elimination of waste through the superior design of materials, products, and systems (including business models).

The keywords are "industrial processes and economic activities that are restorative or regenerative by design," - which in a simpler vernacular is - manufacturing products which last (longer), have quality; and using items or products until they wear out and then repurposing, reusing them in another application. Sounds like yesterday?

Examples of a CIRCULAR ECONOMY from "yesterday"

	YESTERDAY	TODAY
Patchwork Quilts	When a garment had finished its "life" it was carefully cut into pieces to form a design. Batting was added and a solid back. Then the quilting completed the process, while also serving as a means to stabilize the piece	Most quilts today are constructed from new material.
Furniture	Furniture manufacturers s with longevity include Vaughan-Bassett - 1919 - USA Bernhardt - 1889 - USA Ahlstrom-Munksjö’ - 1851 - Finland Amish Furniture - USA Their furniture and others from the same era, but no longer in production; have withstood the test of time in that they Don't fall apart when moved short distances or repeatedly Are heritage pieces, in the family, handed down to multiple generations Are made of natural materials, and often without metal hardware. Or the hardware is of similar quality and reliability Can be repurposed if their original intent or size no longer is suitable	Disposable and replaceable furniture is available as a convenience for the college or rental market. As well as the real-estate investment mobility housing market. Marketing targets the emotions of envy and discontentment as well as cyclical design which then deflate the demand for quality made products.
Hardware & Tools	Craftsman, a brand of Sears & Roebuck department stores, had a reputation for quality and sought after for its lifetime guarantee; of which NEVER diluted their sales. Customers returned and/or bought more of other tools. Their "made-in-USA" tools are highly sought after in the estate and garage sale market.	Most tools in the home-market and/or affordable price range do not have integrity or strength for long-term usage. This creates a shorter replacement life-cycle, a now built-into the business model and profit margin.
Dental Cleaning Packaging	Toothpowder was an acceptable means for the individual to access a cleaning medium for teeth. The packaging and its format guaranteed little or no waste. Toothpaste is not new. only the packaging and its built-in reduction of access to the product. Egyptians used a paste to clean their teeth around 5000 B.C., Ancient Greeks and Romans used toothpaste Inhabitants of China and India used toothpaste around 500 B.C.	Toothpaste in a tube, as we know it, took a while to appear in the mass market. 1873 - Colgate began to offer toothpaste in a jar to the mass-market 1890 - Colgate began to offer toothpaste in a tubular package 1892 - Dr. Washington Sheffield invented the collapsible tube.

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