circular economy
The circular economy is a way to design, make, and use things within the planet’s limits.
Keeping resources in use for as long as possible
By designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural assets, resources are kept in use for as long as possible.
Graphic courtesy of Recycling Victoria
Historically, take-make-waste
Historically, societies have taken resources from the ground to make products, which they use, and, when they no longer want them, throw them away. “Take-make-waste”: this is known as the linear economy. However, the earth’s resources are finite, and waste and pollution are increasingly a concern.
Significant economic, social & environmental opportunities
Transitioning to a circular economy provides significant economic, social and environmental opportunities for Australia:
- Material costs savings due to a circular economy are estimated at AU$26 billion by 2025 ;
- As an example, at a state level, it is estimated that the circular economy could reduce South Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 27% and create 25,700 jobs by 2030 .
Sources: KPMG report 2020 and Report for Green Industries SA 2017
So, what can you do?
Join us in redefining the take-make-waste model. Let’s get together to create positive impacts for our region.
Latest Initiatives
Circular Economy Business Growth Program
RICE is subsidising a Circular Economy Business Growth program, run by Runway HQ, for businesses from the Barwon South West.
Connecting with Global Circular Economy Networks
A Leaders for Geelong project group has helped RICE connect with other like minded groups around the world.
Circular Living Challenge
RICE is supporting the Geelong Circular Living Challenge, engaging around 300 participants in an 8- to 12-week mobile app-based competition.
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