The idea of moving away from a linear economy where everything is manufactured simply with the goal of it's usage in mind, toward developing a circular economy, where any product is designed not only for use, but for it's "after-life", challenges us to a completely new way of thinking. For instance, what if when a refrigerator is manufactured, there was a plan in place to return it for complete dismantling and reclamation of each of its components when it no longer functioned as a refrigerator? Could the metal casing be broken down and re-used as sheet metal, or smelted down and reformed? Could the plastic insides be processed into new parts for a new refrigerator or other appliance? Could the compressor be rebuilt and given new life? In other words, what if every material going into the manufacture of that refrigerator had a predestined use for extracting every bit of usefulness from it at the end of it's life as a refrigerator?
Here is a chart the Ellen MacArthur Foundation has published which illustrates what a circular economy would look like.
What if as consumers, each time we purchase a product we consider what we will do with it when we no longer have a use for it? The onus is not just on us, although our dollars have an enormous impact on manufacturing and marketing- because we do get what we ask for- but many sectors of the economy are beginning to consider this idea.
Here is a little clip of Dame Ellen when she was interviewed at a conference of the fashion industry.
And speaking of fashion- not that I am such a fashion plate- but I do love jJill clothes. they fit well and wear well and I can find amazing sales in the stores or online. I have a few pieces of their clothing I have had for 20 years! However, this company which began by only manufacturing clothing from natural materials, has over the years, moved into the field of polyesters and other man-made materials for some of their styles. I recently wrote a letter to them expressing my displeasure on this subject, and guess what? I got a response back, thanking me for my insights, and letting me know they are moving back into the natural fiber arena as they are able. So! Much of their new line is now manufactured from organic cotton!!! Check this out!
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| jJill Asymmetrical drape color jacket in organically grown 100% cotton! |
I am sure they didn't change their whole approach just because of my one letter. But I am sure, if I was feeling this way, many others must also have communicated their thoughts. Customer pressure works!
So what is the big deal about switching from man made fibers to natural fibers? For one thing, most man made fibers are petroleum based ( polyester os basically plastic). Man made fibers do not break down in the environment for thousands of years, if ever., while natural fibers such as cotton, wool and silk degrade very quickly. Our ocean flora and fauna are becoming clogged with tiny fragments of man made fiber- and I don't know about you, but I do not want to eat polyester in my clams and oysters! Not to mention the hundreds of sea turtled, sea birds, whales and other fish whose bellies are stuffed with plastic bits and pieces- but that is a subject for a future blog post.
If you have an interest in joining the world wide revolution regarding how we can all strive toward a Waste Less lifestyle, so we can leave a cleaner, greener planet to our descendants, take a little time to study amazing work this amazing woman, Dame Ellen MacArther is doing through her foundation.
I'm starting to look at my life through a different lens. Before I make a purchase I'm starting to ask myself "What would Ellen do"?
Stay tuned, and if you wish to join the conversation, feel free to comment and let me know how you are eliminating waste in your life.
Barb
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