BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN EVERYDAY AUSTRALIANS AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY OF OUR FUTURE

In a world that is experiencing a number of challenges we all want to be empowered to play our part in creating a positive and thriving future for ourselves and generations to come.

Recycling is well-known as a step that everyday Australians can take to help mitigate climate change, but many of us are skeptical about whether this is making any impact, or whether our waste is even going where it should be. Recent research commissioned by leading waste recycler Repurpose It revealed that 30% of Victorians believe recycling goes straight into landfill, while 88% openly admitted they don't know enough about how recycling is conducted.

While we want to play our part in making a positive contribution to recycling and protecting the environment, it can be overwhelming. The good news is that there are many ways we can all make a difference and play a part in contributing to a more sustainable world.

The circular economy is an important concept when it comes to managing waste and resources in a sustainable way.

So, what is the circular economy? Generally, it is described as a model that is based on the reuse and regeneration of materials or products in a sustainable way, with the outcome to ease pollution and waste that goes into landfill. Traditionally, we have looked at resources in a linear way, which means we use something once and then throw it away.

This short-sighted approach has proved to be exploitative and problematic, creating a world that will start to run out of the resources we need to survive and thrive on this earth.

Did you know Victorians throw away 250,000 tonnes of food every year? That could fill Eureka Tower!! 1

So, how do we start fixing this mess we’ve got ourselves in? It starts with a shift in thinking, such as changing our mindset from thinking something is ‘waste’ to being a resource that can be repurposed and used as something else. In Australia, this change is happening with local councils collecting organic materials and working with innovative companies like Repurpose It to turn these valuable resources into compost, instead of sending them to landfill.

1. https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/recycling-and-reducing-waste/at-home/avoid-waste/food-waste

This newly created product is being used to create or regenerate local parks and community gardens. Not only is this a smarter way to dispose of our home organic waste, it’s also resulting in less waste going into landfill.

If you want to know more, there are many resources available for you to understand more about the circular economy and how you can play an active role. Among these resources is a new online video series called ‘Living with Purpose’. Hosted by Jamie Durie, who is best known for his international work in landscaping and sustainable design, the series both informs, entertains and inspires viewers on how the circular economy works and what they can do to contribute to this way of managing waste in the future.

From backyards to playgrounds, follow Jamie as he talks with Australian innovators in the circular economy, showcasing how they are making a real difference on home ground. Aside from taking a look at the out-of-the-box thinking businesses and organisations are doing to create a more sustainable future, you will also learn practical tips and tricks that you can do at home or in your business. The series can be found at www.repurposeit.com.au