What Might We Say about a Circular Economy? Some Temptations to Avoid if Possible

Abstract

The goal is not so much to see that which no one has seen, but to see that which everyone sees in a totally different way. —Schopenauer A good number of people are talking about a “circular economy” these days. This is a step forward and a step change since recent reports point out its positive potential for business and communities mired in the Great Recession (http://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy/circular-economy/towards-the-circular-economy). However, a casual interpreter might conclude it is just about widget prices and engineering reverse supply chains or a revved up recycling scheme. This would be a grave misapprehension. This short article is an exploration of the essential differences and the central role of a systems perspective in constructive discussion in this context.