What a circular economy means
A circular economy is a way of making and using products that focuses on reducing waste. In a circular economy, we try to use fewer resources from the earth and focus more on reusing what we already have. It involves using products for as long as possible through:
- Sharing
- Leasing
- Reusing
- Repairing
- Refurbishing
- Recycling
Right now, our economy’s built on using up resources and throwing things away. This is wasteful and leads to high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A circular economy can help us reach our climate goals. It can also make Minneapolis more sustainable, equitable and resilient.
Climate impact
The majority of GHG waste emissions are from making and moving food and products. Globally, wasted food causes 10% of GHG emissions. Lowering food and other types of waste will lower our GHG emissions.
Composting food scraps is important for growing local food. The leftovers we usually throw away still have nutrients that plants need. By composting, we return those nutrients to the soil to grow healthy, fresh food in our community. By improving how we grow food and handle waste, we can build a circular economy. An economy where good food doesn’t go to waste, and we reuse materials in smart ways.
Equity impact
Reducing waste and reusing products saves households money and builds a stronger community. It encourages sharing and supporting each other, which benefits everyone.
Almost all of the garbage in the city goes to the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC). There, it’s burned for energy. But only 33% of what’s in the trash belongs there. We could recycle, reuse, or compost the other 67% instead. Doing this would create more local green jobs and have a positive impact on the environment. We need to cut down on trash and plastic waste by 80% to stop harmful effects of trash burning at the HERC.