Page 28 - Tropic Magazine Issue 34

TROPIC • ENVIRONMENT

Circular economy

REDUCING WASTE
The president of new
organisation, Circular Economy
FNQ, explains the concept and
its benefits.

Words: Irene Pollack
A circular economy is an economy that is
restorative, regenerative and distributive.
It takes in all factors of commerce to That is one of the key critical issues we That short timeframe means opportunity
make sure the impact is good for all, will be educating people on through for those who have an eye for upcycling or
especially the planet. It’s about making courses and campaigns, so that we can regenerative processes.
the most of our finite resources because all learn to be circular citizens. Waste entrepreneurs, scientists and
in our current linear ‘make, use, throw Changing our habits is usually difficult business owners are going to be the
away’ economic framework, that doesn’t but we are in a magical moment cool disruptors we will be uncovering
happen. Up until now, we haven’t in history. COVID-19 has disrupted our in our region. People who create their
designed our processes and products to habits and that means we have a good business on waste and non-virgin
factor in how to recycle them. opportunity right now to create resources will be promoted, along with
But that is changing. And it’s a change for better ones. That includes buying less, businesses that divert their waste from
the better. buying smarter and engaging in the share landfill and the scientists who design the
In the meantime, we still have a lot of economy to save money and space. shortest paths to get there.
waste to deal with, including financial Living in a ‘tiny house’ isn’t so crazy. At the Circular Economy FNQ we are
waste – which means opportunity. We also have something that not many bringing data and strategies to life.
If wastage isn’t sorted out at the source other regions have in Australia: a local Join us if you want to learn how to change
(where it’s created), management of said government supporting a goal of net zero your habits for your own benefit, as well
waste increases in cost and labour. emissions by 2030. as everyone else’s.

The ‘donut’ of social and
planetary boundaries is
being used as a compass for
change. Created by British
economist Kate Raworth, the
hole reveals the number of
people globally falling short
of life’s essentials. There is
also an ecological ceiling
to ensure humanity doesn’t
collectively overshoot the
boundaries that protect
Earth’s life-supporting
systems. The green space –
the donut – is where inclusive
and sustainable economic
development takes place for
humanity’s best chance to
thrive.

MORE: circulareconomyfnq.org.au

28 • Tropic • Issue 34