Healthier Living Through a Circular Economy

I have become fascinated with the term Circular Economy and how the concept connects into every aspect of my life, my communities, the economy and even to the design of clothing, which I will share more about below.

First, a brief definition of Circular Economy by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Looking beyond the current take-make-waste extractive industrial model, a circular economy aims to redefine growth, focusing on positive society-wide benefits. It entails gradually decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources and designing waste out of the system. Underpinned by a transition to renewable energy sources, the circular model builds economic, natural, and social capital. It is based on three principles:

• Design out waste and pollution.
• Keep products and materials in use.
• Regenerate natural systems

Take a look at this brief video on Circular Economy from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

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Now to share about durability and transformation in clothing designs.

As I mentioned earlier, I am fascinated with Circular Economy and I thoroughly enjoyed this article by Suz Okie of Circularity Weekly.

As it relates to my clothing selections, I find many similarities in Suz Okie’s article to what I have experienced in this time of COVID.

I am not a shopper’s shopper, per say!  More of a ‘I look for what works for me’ and feels right for the long run.  Now that we are opening once again I find I have more clarity in my clothing selections, as I have a preference for what is lasting, has simple lines, is U.S. manufactured (when possible), includes natural fibers and is from a locally owned store. Less is now more, and more is now getting worn more often. With longevity comes sustainability.

As Suz Okie says: Timeless design is difficult to define.

“It embodies quality, craftmanship and a bit of luck.  Another aspect is clean lines, intentional color palettes and pieces that ‘play well with others,” allowing flexibility to mix and match.”

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Another concept I’m exploring is Emotional Durability, coined by Jonathan Chapman, who has written the book Emotional Durable Design, Objects, Experiences, and Empathy. He notes: “We are consumers of meaning not of matter. When we form emotional bonds with objects around us, we tend to hold on to them longer. Building emotional durability into our everyday objects may just be the key to circular economy.”

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Final Thoughts:
Even though as a Realtor I often work from home, staying home the past 18 months has taught me much about how I want to live and view my life going forward. My healthier lifestyle, and healthier home are part of it, as is my understanding of how to live and work within a circular economy – one that benefits myself and my community!

Let’s have a conversation on how you see Circular Economy making positive changes in your life!