AUSTRALIA + ASIA PACIFIC + DENMARK + SWEDEN + UNITED KINGDOM + UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Stella Whittaker
CHAIR & BOARD MEMBER
GUEST SPEAKER
&
AUTHOR
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
FUTURE PROOFING
RENEWABLES
LOW CARBON
CLIMATE FINANCE
RISK MANAGEMENT
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
A New Paradigm in Thinking about Resources
Jurisdictions, businesses and communities around the globe are rapidly shifting away from the ‘take, make and disposal' of resources to a more circular approach where the value of resources is maintained for as long as possible (known as a ‘circular economy’).
In a world of finite materials, the linear model of take-make-dispose is not sustainable. Current resource recovery policies and technologies are no longer fit for purpose. This impacts businesses, households, the environment, human health, governments, and the economy.
A Circular Economy is needed to minimise these negative impacts and deliver positive economic, social and environmental outcomes for the community. This transition will generate jobs, decouple economic growth form resource use, reduce energy use and greenhouse gases, maximise the value of resources, reduce waste and improve how we use resources.
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The Australian Government in its National Waste Policy Discussion Paper (2018) ‘Less Waste, More Resources’ uses circular economy principles, including: •'Reducing waste generation • Improving resource recovery • increasing the use of recycled material in products • Managing material flows to benefit human health, the environment and the economy • Improving information to support innovation, guide investment and enable informed decisions'.
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In addition on the 25 September 2015, countries around the world, including Australia, adopted the UN Sustainable Development Goals - a set of goals to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years. Sustainable Development Goal 12 is specifically focused on responsible consumption and production patterns.
“Achieving Goal 12 requires a strong national framework for sustainable consumption and production that is integrated into national and sectoral plans, sustainable business practices and consumer behaviour, together with adherence to international norms on the management of hazardous chemicals and wastes.”
There are many drivers to encourage all to act now and to join this global movement towards a circular economy.
CSR THOUGHT LEADER
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
CLIMATE RESILIENCE
CLEAN / GREEN TECHNOLOGY
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
URBAN & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING
SUSTAINABILITY
DEFINING A CIRCULAR ECONOMY
For Businesses, Cities, Councils and Regions alike
A circular economy values resources by minimising the consumption of finite resources and keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible. A circular economy considers the full costs (market, environmental and social) of goods and services. It supports the use of renewable resources; minimizes risks associated with finite raw materials; uses energy most efficiently in the production and delivery of goods and services; and preserves natural capital. A circular economy engages stakeholders from a wide range of industries to stimulate supply chains in the circular use of resources. The creation of an economy based on these principals stimulates innovation and creates sustainable long term growth that supports the development of new circular employment opportunities and generates demand for new skills.
A circular economy:
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Values resources.
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Minimises the consumption of finite resources.
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Keeps products and materials in use for as long as possible.
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Considers the full costs (market, environmental and social) of goods and services.
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Supports the use of renewable resources.
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Uses energy most efficiently.
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Minimises risks associated with finite raw material.
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Preserves natural capital.
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Engages stakeholders to stimulate supply chains in the circular use of resources.
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Stimulates innovation.
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Creates sustainable long-term growth.
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Supports the development of new employment opportunities.
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Generates demand for new skills.
Circular economy principles:
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Decouple economic growth from resource consumption.
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Minimise consumption of finite resources.
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Keep products and materials in use.
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Design out waste and pollution.
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Innovate in resource efficiency, give preference to higher order re-use and repair opportunities.
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Engages stakeholder to stimulate circular use of resources.
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Create new circular economy jobs.
IMPLEMENTING CIRCULAR ECONOMY
For businesses, Cities, Councils & Regions
A Circular Economy can be implemented at any level but can be especially beneficial at a local level such as a city, council and region. Adapting a Circular Economy policy at a local level defines the local government’s role in implementing circular economy principles across the locality and sets areas to focus and guide implementation. It sets out the first steps on the pathway to transition to a circular economy. It also articulates the council’s commitment to achieving the aspirational long-term objective of embedding circular economy principles in all public and private sector decision-making in the local economy. Achievements to date that demonstrate circular approaches can also be celebrated.
Local governments have always played an important role in providing household waste collection and recycling services, managing and operating landfill sites, delivering education and awareness programs, and providing and maintaining litter infrastructure. They also support and form local groups to innovate in resource recovery, cooperate at the regional level on waste management issues of regional significance and have compliance and enforcement roles for littering and the illegal disposal of waste. They also have a role to play as responsible consumers. Sustainable procurement practices and increasing the recycled materials purchased, including recycled paper, plastics, road materials and construction materials, all support a circular economy. It all helps to grow a local recycling and remanufacturing industry.
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But there is so much more that local governments can do if they commit to circular economy approaches. Local governments have an opportunity to adopt a common approach towards circularity in resource use, recovery and management. In their local economy they can work to reduce barriers to market development and increase the circularity and efficiency of resource recovery. This will bring with it local economic development, innovation and job creation.
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For more information on how to implement a circular economy locally:
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Need an international keynote & conference speaker on Circular Economy and who can resonate, inspire and captivate your audience? Stella Whittaker speaks at international, national and local conferences/events and also facilitates interactive/creative workshops. No venue is too big or too small - inspiring all types of audiences to action.
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If interested in inviting Stella to speak at a conference/ event or run a workshop in your organisation, local area or business - please schedule a conversation with her by submitting the below web form.
DID YOU KNOW
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Seventeen years of the 18 warmest years occurred since 2001.
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Over the past 100 years sea-level has risen 178mm - that doesn't sound much but it is actually an alarming figure - already responsible for causing flooding and havoc across the globe.
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Hurricanes are becoming more frequent - the hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria hitting the US and Caribbean contributed to a record $US135 billion in payouts across the globe on natural disasters.