A circular economy where resources are kept in circulation and are prevented from becoming waste. In this system, repairing and reusing items takes priority over disposal of materials. Compare to a linear system, where items are used once and thrown away or a recycling system, where materials are recycled but are still thrown away at their end of their lifespan, a circular economy prioritizes keeping items in circulation.
A circular economy is based on three principles:
Eliminating waste and pollution
Circulating materials at their highest value
Regenerating nature
At Environment Lethbridge, we are working to provide opportunities for residents to extend the life of items for as long as possible through programs such as Reuse Rendezvous, repair cafes, and more.