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https://www.positive.news/environment/green-alley-award-circular-economy-europe/>
"The circular economy. Despite being discussed in sustainability circles and
even covered in mainstream media for more than a decade, it’s debatable how
much the term has sunk into public consciousness. What has slowly been
embedding itself within society, however, are the principles behind it. In
place of fast fashion, for instance, people are increasingly using secondhand
platforms such as Vinted – the business has reportedly grown 680% over the last
18 months. And instead of reams of bubble wrap and non-recyclable polystyrene,
the future of packaging is looking decidedly plastic-free.
Meanwhile, the foundation for widespread adoption of a circular economy is
being laid in the form of legislation. From directives on minimising plastic
and the right for customers to repair the products they buy, to proposals
around recycling textiles and reducing e-waste, change is incrementally being
worked into European law.
Entrepreneurs have a significant role to play, too. “The startup ecosystem is a
very important piece of this puzzle,” says Filipa Moita, marketing manager at
Landbell Group, which runs the Green Alley Award. The award recognises European
startups for pioneering circular solutions.
“Startups are the brave innovators who come up with a lot of new ideas and
develop new ways of doing things,” she continues. “They influence policymakers
by demonstrating how a solution can be implemented. And of course, they educate
consumers, which is really important. If consumers aren’t behind the circular
economy, it won’t happen.”
Here are three policies set to usher in a circular future, and the startups
working in the background to edge us even closer."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
