The Circularity Edge With Ken Alston: Recent Episodes
Ken Alston - Circularity Edge
Where we discuss the latest news and perspectives on the Circular Economy and issues relating to Social, Environmental and Economic Sustainability.
In the world of sports fandom, loyalty isn't just measured by cheers and game attendance—it's increasingly gauged by the latest team gear adorning fans' closets. But as teams constantly unveil new "looks" and limited-edition merchandise, we're faced with a growing problem: the unsustainable cycle of sports apparel purchase and use.
The Annual Uniform Carousel
Every year, professional and college sports teams introduce new uniforms, "alternate" jerseys, and special edition gear. While the excitement of a fresh look can be thrilling for fans, it comes at a significant environmental cost. Consider this:
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Resource Consumption: Each new jersey, hat, or t-shirt requires raw materials, water, and energy to produce.
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Short Lifespan: Last year's "must-have" item quickly becomes outdated, often worn only a few times before being relegated to the back of the closet.
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Waste Generation: As fans update their wardrobes, older items often end up in landfills, contributing to textile waste.
A Question for You: Take a moment to reflect on your own closet. How many team t-shirts and sweatshirts do you have right now that you don't use anymore? The answer might surprise you—and it's a tangible example of the issue we're discussing.
The Hidden Costs of Fandom
The push for new merchandise isn't just about team pride—it's a massive industry. The global licensed sports merchandise market size was valued at USD 33.48 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% from 2023 to 2030.
This growth rate might seem modest at first glance, but it's important to understand the compounding effect. A 4.9% annual growth means that the market is expected to increase by nearly 50% by 2030. This rapid expansion translates directly into more resources used, more energy consumed, and potentially more waste generated. Each percentage point of growth represents millions of additional items produced, worn briefly, and potentially discarded.
The environmental impact of this growth is not linear—it's exponential. As production scales up to meet demand, so too does the strain on our natural resources and waste management systems. This compounding effect accelerates the unsustainable outcomes we're already witnessing in the sports merchandise industry.
But this constant turnover comes with other hidden costs:
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Environmental Impact: The textile industry is one of the largest polluters globally. The production of sports merchandise contributes to this problem through water pollution, chemical use, and carbon emissions.
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Labor Concerns: Fast fashion practices in sports apparel can lead to poor working conditions and low wages for workers in manufacturing countries.
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Financial Strain on Fans: The pressure to buy new gear each season can be a significant financial burden, especially for dedicated fans who feel compelled to keep up.
Breaking the Cycle
So, what can be done to make sports merchandising more sustainable?
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Timeless Designs: Teams could focus on classic, enduring designs that don't go out of style after one season.
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Sustainable Materials: Using recycled fabrics or more environmentally friendly materials could reduce the impact of production.
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Repair and Upcycling Programs: Teams could offer services to repair or update old merchandise, extending its life.
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Fan Initiative: Supporters can take a stand by choosing to wear "vintage" gear proudly, resisting the urge to buy every new release.
The Future of Fandom
As we become more aware of the environmental challenges we face, it's time for sports culture to evolve. True team loyalty isn't about having the latest gear—it's about supporting your team through thick and thin, regardless of what you're wearing.
By pushing for more sustainable practices in sports merchandising, fans can send a powerful message: we love our teams, but we love our planet too.
TELL YOUR TEAM: It's time for "fast football" (and all other sports) fashion merchandise to slow down and for teams to score points for sustainability.
SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Source: Grand View Research - Licensed Sports Merchandise Market Report
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In today's episode, Ken Alston talks with Mahasen Gunawardena, a.k.a. "Lanks" who is co-founder of Sustain Credits.
Remove your carbon & nature footprint through Earth Doctors -> buy trees, remove waste, improve biodiversity, protect animals - visit the SUstaina Credits website and find out about their monthly plans: https://sustaincredits.com/plans
To join the movement as an Earth Doctor and get rewarded: https://sustaincredits.com/earthdoctor
1️⃣ heal the earth ➕🌐
2️⃣ send photos, videos with exact location to @sustaincredits 📸📍
3️⃣ collect sustain credits 🏁🎖️ Let's heal the world together!
As co-founder of the Bank & Vogue family of companies, Steven Bethell has been a thought leader and pioneer in the post-consumer textile space for over 20 years.
Unwanted garments across the world normally make their way to landfill - Bank & Vogue is here with the purpose to develop innovative and relevant solutions for the "Crisis of Stuff".
Every month the company receives 300 containers of old clothes. Sellable items are sent to Beyond Retro whilst Beyond Remade brings new life to old things - closing the loop.
After listening to the podcast, join Steven and product management team Hugo Harris and Padmini PV and sign up for free with Waterbear to watch the documentary “Behind the Scenes of Circularity – The Secondhand Superstar”
Other links to Steven's world:
https://www.beyondretro.com/
https://www.beyondremade.com/
https://bvhservices.com/
https://www.bankvogue.com/
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Join Ken's SUSTAINABILITY SCHOOL COMMUNITY HERE.
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In this episode, Rob Oomen is my guest. Rob is the Director General of Vytal, Mexico.
He recently introduced the Vytal reusable food and drink container system in Guadalajara, Mexico. 2023 is primed for expanding this important reusable container system in restaurants, company, and university cafeterias.
Already successful in Germany, this is the first use of this type of reusable container system in Mexico.
Vytal Mexico
Today I am talking with Tricia Carey, Chief Commercial Officer of Renewcell.
Tricia held various commercial management positions at Lenzing Fibers to establish the TENCEL™ brand, build mill partners and set retailer specifications.
Tricia is an advocate for innovation and circularity in the textile and apparel industry. She recently joined Renewcell to accelerate the commercial development of Circulose®, making fashion circular.
Founded by innovators from Stockholm’s KTH Royal Institute of Technology in 2012, Re:NewCell AB (‘Renewcell’) is a multi-award-winning sustaintech company based in Sweden. The company’s vision is to make fashion circular.
Through its patented process, Renewcell is able to recycle cellulosic textile waste, such as worn-out cotton clothes and production scraps, transforming it into a pristine new material called Circulose®.
It's good to see companies helping to fill the gaps in the reverse logistics needed to implement a sustainable circular economy.
Connect with Tricia: Tricia Carey | LinkedIn
Additional company links:
renewcell.com I linkedin.com/renewcell
circulo.se I instagram.com/circulose
Five years ago, I went into the high Andes to pick coffee cherries and experience for myself the processes that are needed before we get that delicious taste of coffee in the morning.
In this podcast episode I welcome Josh Ziegelbaum, Director of Investor Relations for Legacy Group to talk about a new roasted coffee brand called Abira, recently launched in the USA. Listen in as we talk about the sustainably circular business practices that Green Coffee Company (GCC) is pioneering in Colombia.
Currently in a $100 Million Series C funding round, anticipating an 11X return on investment, GCC practices digital agronomy, has a very large tree planting program, is innovating with social, personal and professional advancement services for employees that significantly exceed norms in the industry.
In addition to planning its own U.S. based roastery, GCC also has plans to reutilize coffee waste to produce a whole new, value-added product stream making alcohol.
People often ask me how to contribute to a more sustainably circular world. One important way is to apply your own personal discretionary spending to brands and companies who are 'doing the right thing'.
I've switched my coffee purchases from a well-known maker of brewing machines and single brew disposable plastic pods to support this new Abira brand from Green Coffee Company in Colombia demonstrating more sustaining economic, environmental and social practices.
Below is the Abira coffee website link and promotional codes for Circularity Edge podcast listeners to buy coffee in the USA. Vote with your purchases and show companies that "We Prefer More Sustaining Brands"!
https://abiracoffee.com
Discount codes at checkout:
ABIRABUY1GET1 - For individual purchases
FIRST3FREE - For subscribers to an auto-ship plan
Legacy Group contact information is:
https://legacy-group.co/
investor.relations@legacy-group.co
Note: This podcast is NOT an endorsement or solicitation to invest. Any forward-looking statements made are not guarantees of performance or results. Listeners are encouraged to do their own due diligence before considering any investments.
Here's my recent conversation with long-time friend and fellow Cradle to Cradle design practitioner, Albin Kaelin.
I've known Albin for over 22 years. His story starts with the Genesis of the Cradle to Cradle design collaboration of William McDonough and Dr. Michael Braungart. Namely, creating the Climatex Lifecycle textile that confounded the Swiss water authorities because they could not find any trace of pollution in the factory wastewater.
Albin talks about his journey as CEO of a small Swiss textile mill reinventing his core products to become more sustainably circular, through to his award-winning role today as CEO of EPEA Switzerland.
Albin's work is ever practical, grounded in business reality, and completely focused on creating what he calls Networks of Trust to reinvent supply chains so that sustainable circularity can be enabled.
About Albin Kaelin - in his own words:"I'm actually left-handed. When I got to school, I was forced to write on the right. Back then I asked why, but I didn't get an answer.
This experience has taught me not to accept anything whose sense I do not understand. I want to shape my life so that it makes sense for me and for the community. In doing it becomes visual how I take responsibility.
I work professionally to enable innovations to develop new concepts of production that no longer produce waste, but become 'nutrients' for other products.
I find my track of interface, where I am neither saying yes nor no and I am confident to bare my responsibility."
Website: www.epeaswitzerland.com
Catherine Roggero-Lovisi is CEO of Modern Meadows.
The Modern Meadows website states: "Where Natural Inspiration Meets Extraordinary innovation". The company describes themselves as a purpose-driven, protein application powerhouse - building the sustainable bioeconomy.
Catherine and Ken talk about the company's protein-based products and how they are intentionally designed with both performance and sustainability in mind from the outset.
Catherine discusses the positive impacts and scalability of their products as well as the key business drivers that are inexorably moving employees, shareholders, insurance companies, governments and even customers to demand more sustainable solutions.
Importantly, the potential for local production can help reduce transport distances and contribute to lower Greenhouse Gas emissions.
More information at Modern Meadow website
Everlane's "Alt-Leather".
In this episode Ken Alston brings the story of "From Belo" up to date. First shared here in July 2021, Belo bags is a sustainable circular economy success story in progress.
Today Ken talks again with Co-founder Maria Costa about the growth and recognition that From Belo is now garnering.
From a small start-up in Belo Horizonte, Brazil as a new brand celebrating ethical craftsmanship, circular practices and a strong social connection, From Belo is now being showcased in one of the top retail stores in London, England.
BELO - Selfridges | Shop Online
Podcast discussion with Wajahat Hussain, Founder/CEO AT Biorestore.
Biorestore is a new laundry solution that restores used and worn clothing to new.
This is a new way to extend the use period of cotton garments and so help to reduce the negative impacts of fashion on the environment by enabling use over a longer time period.
For more information: https://bio-restore.com/
Shikha Rathi is an enterprising one-woman solopreneur making a difference in the local community in Pune, India.
Her business is called The Reup Studio.
Shikha takes wastes from the Indian textile industry and turns them into one of a kind garments.
As the waste offcuts are always different shapes and sizes, by necessity this requires Shikha to be creative in how her clothing is put together to achieve a similar look and feel.
She is especially proud of her team of expert local artisans who sew the garments because each item is a new and different pattern!
Shikha represents the HOPE that I see as individuals effectively rebel against the status quo of the wastefulness of so-called 'fast fashion'.
Follow Shikha on Instagram and on LinkedIn. When she announces the launch of her new website I hope you will support her with your wallets and purses open!
This is one of the ways we start to create a sustainable, circular economy. Eliminating the concept of waste locally and creating new, additional economic value.
- Value for the company who's waste Shaika PURCHASES.
- Value for the artisans who are EMPLOYED to sew garments
- Value for the local community with additional REVENUE generated in the city
- Value for Shikha when you BUY from her Reup Studio.
Congratulations Shikha for your entrepreneurship and for bringing your VALUES to your work providing multiple benefits by first THINKING, then TAKING ACTION with sustainability and circular economy principles in mind.
For more on Ken Alston's thinking, writing and speaking appearances go to:
CIRCULAR ECONOMY.EXPERT
Part 2 of Ken Alston in conversation with David Ferninand.
This recording was made on December 11th, 2021 to coincide with David's "Quantum Pay It Forward" event and the recording of his Biodome film on the island of Ilha das Couves, Sao Sebastiao, Brazil.
Note: Ken's conversations with David cover a diverse range of topics!
In this episode they talk about David's Quantum Giving event and the coincidence of recording on the 90th birthday of OSHO (the Enlightened Mystic of 21st century) and of various topics from OSHO's book "The Book of Secrets".
Open yourself up to personal growth opportunities with meditation and new subjects like the theory of Nothing - Point 0,0 Absolute.
theory of nothing
Contact David on Ilha das Couves, Sao Sebastiao on Facebook or WhatsApp (Brasil) +55 12997315251
Ken Alston in conversation with Michiel Doorn, co-founder of Circularity Edge about Michiel's new report on the Circular Economy.
Michiel talks about why he decided to write this report and reveals some of the pitfalls about creating a sustainable, circular economy based on recent work he's carried out at Circularity Edge.
Download Michiel's new report --> HERE.
A recent connection to David Ferdinand led to recording this conversation. David is an American citizen living on an island off the coast of Brazil near to São Sebastião, São Paulo.
Our conversation covers a range of issues related to susctainability, circular economy and life in general.
I like islands as a geographically constrained model for thinking about the input and output of materials in the "system" of the island.
The story of David the Indian which we talk about is one worth listening to. I can relate to it and see in the parable a connection to what we face with the concepts of a sustainable, circular economy.
We have the fog of unsustainability in a complex world right in front of us which we have to step into with faith that we will come out the other side with new clarity, wisdom and a belief in our abilities to solve the challenges we face.
David is a fascinating individual! Enjoy our conversation.
To listen to the story of "David The Indian" go to: www.kryon.com
- Look for the "Free audio" (mid screen)
- Find the section "Parables" (bottom)
- Find Track 4
- Story 2
- Time code for start of story is somewhere close to: 20:17 -29:00
For more on David and 'Ilha das Couves': www.eportbrasil.com
https://www.facebook.com/ilhadascouves
David's Facebook
For more information on The Circular Economy Forum of the Americas 2012 edition go to: CEFA2021
It’s the eve of the 20-year anniversary of the 9-11-2001 terrorist attacks as I publish this short episode.
Today, as then, I’d normally I’d be thinking and working on matters relating to how we can change the way the global economy operates so that it creates positive, beneficial economic, environmental and social outcomes, in place of the many un-sustainable outcomes we still generate today.
But today (9/10/21) and tomorrow (9/11/21) space needs to be made for somber reflection on the attack on the United States that, in its own way, changed how the world works and lives.
In this podcast I recall my personal experience of the morning of 9-11-2001 and reflect on death as a part of Nature's life cycle and of the lives tragically cut short on that day and in the following days.
I'm a cautiously optimistic person and I see hope in the future as individually and collectively we strive to leave the world a better place for having lived here on Earth.
Please consider a donation to The Never Forget Fund, the Flight 93 Memorial and The National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.
If you wish to follow my work and engage with me, please "FOLLOW" my podcast and visit The Circular Academy.
Hi, Today I'm talking with Maria Costa of From Belo in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
I'm excited to bring you this episode as Maria and her colleagues are woderful ambassadors for what's possible when you take your VALUES and create VALUE - social, environmental and economic intentionally, by design.
For those of you who don’t know From Belo – they create long lasting, beautiful fashion accessories that carry kindness in every seam.
As you will hear they address the biggest issues in their community in Belo Horizonte, Brazil; namely, waste and poverty.
They turn trash into on-trend, yet timeless items that celebrate ethical craftsmanship.
I invite you to connect with Maria, buy their bags and suppport their fantastic artisan craftsmen and women!!
Website: www.frombelo.com
Instagram: @frombelo_
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frombelo
Maria’s Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/mariaelisadacosta
The new builing at Universidad EAN in Bogota, Colombia is arguably Colombia's most sustaining building to date! Listen to my interview with Jose Alejandro Martinez Sepulveda.
Jose is a long-time friend and colleague of mine. He is the strategic development advisor for Sustainability coordination at Universidad EAN in Bogota, Colombia.
The combination of leadership and a vision in the University allied to a terrific team of people who led the conceptulatization, development, planning and construction.
This is an inspiring story of what can be done, even against the backdrop of budget constraints and the fact that this is being done in a country not previously known for "firsts" in sustainable construction.
For more on the EAN University Legacy building please go here:
For more on the ICEHouse(TM) go here.
This week I enjoyed a restful conversation about beds with fellow ex-Brit Len Laycock who is now based in Vancouver, Canada.
Len is the designer of the new Horizontal Bed which boasts several unique design differences to conventional beds.
The Horizontal bed is is durable, long lasting and has replaceable parts to extend it's USE even further.
Materials are chosen with care to ensure they are safe in use and can cycle safely after use. Listen now as Len explains all about the features and benefits of this new bed and how it was conceived following the design principles of a circular economy.
Read more about Len and Horizontal beds at Horizontal.eco
Join me in conversation with Stefan Mathys of Vyn as we discuss the evolution of thinking and design of a new sneaker that is made to last and is arguably the first repairable sneaker brand.
This is an inside look at a new entrepreneurial venture with the intention to become increasingly sustainable and circular, by design.
Our talk was recorded just a few weeks before the first invitation goes out to the public to become one of the first "VYNNERS" to own this innovative sneaker.
VYN was founded by Catherine Meuter and Stefan Mathys in 2019. You can find out more on their VYN WEBSITE.
VYN is also on Facebook & Instagram: @vyn.one.sneakers
Frankly, I’m tired of the green gloss that’s still being put on things.
Actually, I’ve been tired of it for over 20 years, but in recent weeks as more people are talking again about what the “new normal”, post-Covid-19 world might look like, there’s a resurgence of what I call “green speak”.
People calling for a green new deal...
...John Elkington riffing on Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s “Black Swan” concept with “Green Swan”.
...Even the Ellen MacArthur foundation joining Green Recovery’s call for mobilization.
Enough already with the green!
It’s ineffective.
We don’t need any more greenwash or green anything unless perhaps it’s more green biologically diverse growth – like more native plants and trees growing thanks to solar powered chlorophyll. President Bolsonaro in Brazil and others – please take note.
When you pigeon-hole everything that’s GOOD that we want to do and mark it as being “Green” you effectively force all the GOOD work into being a niche topic that’s too easily politicized and sidelined.
Please join me - Let's advocate for no more GREEN - only GOOD!
Connect with me at Circularity Edge.
Join the new Circularity Edge Community of Practice.
Today's podcast is a conversation I had yesterday with Walter Stahel.
Walter is one of the leading thinkers on matters concerning the circular economy and has been actively engaged on this subject for a lifetime. Walter is the founder-director of the Product-Life institute based in Switzerland. It is the oldest established consultancy in Europe devoted to developing sustainable strategies and policies.
Walter is the author of the book “The Circular Economy – A User’s Guide” published last year.
--> Book in English
--> Book in Spanish
What follows is an open conversation I had with Walter, with no pre-arranged topics or planning, other than a common desire to talk about our joint interest in promoting a transition to the circular economy.
I learned a lot from this conversation and I hope you do too.
Hi, this is Ken Alston with the Circularity Edge podcast.
Today is April 8th, 2020.
On the last episode I made an open invitation to you. A personal invitation to help you with your biggest challenges and the opportunity to talk together about big questions like: WHAT NOW? And WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?
Well as the title of the podcast says, yesterday was a wild and wonderful day.
I’m extremely happy that some of you decided to take me up on my offer to talk because you’re the reason for my wild (and wonderful day)
Yesterday I video-conferenced with like-minded enthusiastic people in Sri Lanka, Colombia & Mexico, Norway and the West coast of the USA. Listen to the podcast for full details.
Go to my CALENDAR if you want to schedule a conversation with me about the big challenges you are dealing with.
Hi, this is Ken Alston with the Circularity Edge podcast.
Today is March 30th, 2020.
I’m starting right out of the gate with a personal offer to you. A personal invitation to help you with your biggest challenges and the opportunity to talk together about WHAT NOW? And WHERE WE GO FROM HERE.
You can schedule time on my calendar by going to:
https://calendly.com/kenalston/challenge
Along with my colleagues in Circularity Edge, I’m creating a new community of committed individuals who want to change the world for the better through the ingenuity and creativity of business enterprise.
In this episode I talk about the effects of the pandemic, the current state of affairs in the USA and how we're facing a New World with New Rules.
Abundance and opportunity is all around us in the midst of the pandemic.
We have a unique opportunity to CO-CREATE the post-pandemic economy.
I'm working in Circularity Edge on new training, new businesses and want to INVITE you to join the new COMMUNITY of PRACTICE we're building around new business enterprises.
Click to Schedule a call with Ken Alston
Reading is a vitally important activity to gain wisdom and learn from the past.
I urge you to read 20 miniutes a day - every day.
I'll talk about two books, Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" (pictured) and Jared Diamond's "Guns, Germs & Steel".
There's ample evidence in Jarod's book of the history of germs and their evolution from domesticated animals to infect humans.
We should have been and going forward need to be - better prepared.
I'll discuss the LOCAL significance of the coronavirus outbreak and relate this to the Global-Local dynamic that's at play and is at the center of what we need to look at as we restart Global, Regional, National and Local economies.
There is an opportunity to put more priority on sustainable, circular solutions as we look to create more RESILIENT systems in place going forward.
More on resilience and abundance next time...
Stay Healthy,
Ken Alston
Join Me, Working at the Positive & Beneficial Sustainable Circularity Edge
www.CircularityEdge.com
It's a stark choice we face. The good news is - there is an upside, there is a wealth of opportunity in front of us.
It's nature's way of improving things over geologic time.
The most important thing right now is looking after yourself and your extended family so you are in good shape to survive, grow stronger and sustain your leadership to help others, for the short, medium and long term.survice-evolve-die
It’s a marathon we face, so find a pace you can maintain.
Frankly speaking, no one gives a damn about “sustainable development” or “circular economy” right now.
And that’s OK.
We’ve dropped to the bottom of Maslov’s hierarchy of needs and basic food, shelter and survival is the first order of the day for most of us.
Local, regional and National governments across the world are scrambling to deal with the health crisis and the economic consequences that are growing as fast as the virus is spreading and wreaking its deadly havoc.
In a very short space of geologic time we will get on top of this and most of us will literally be able to breathe again.
As we move into the “recovery” phase it’s incumbent on us to pause for a minute and not just go back to the old "business as usual" modality.
There is a unique opportunity to do some things differently as we begin to ramp up and conduct business again.
These can include changes to operate in a way that is more resilient to shocks, is more sustainable and yes, more circular.
Ironically, in the midst of this pandemic, we’re seeing Carbon emissions lower than anyone could have ever in their wildest dreams have dreamed of just a few days ago. But of course, it’s only a reflection of inactivity in business operations and not any long term systemic improvement we still need to bring about.
For me, right now I’m social distancing - like everyone else should.
Thankfully, my health is good and so far (touch wood) I’m Covid-19 symptom free.
Now I have some extra time to think and to create.
Along with my colleagues in CircularityEdge I’m working on new practical tools, techniques, training and businesses that I confidently expect will fit the needs of the “new normal” we will move into later this year and next.
It may not be the same as our “old normal”, but that’s OK too.
Nature evolves and sometimes it’s a dramatic change in the external environment that forces a significant change in how the organism evolves…or dies.
Survivors adapt.
We will adapt.
In the coming weeks you will hear and see more from me about new insights and initiatives spurred on by this global pandemic and its effects.
Some of these initiatives will start LOCALLY and not only in the Unites States.
As I posted last week, ultimately, all sustainability is local.
If you want to keep in touch with me and learn about these initiatives as they are ready, you can do so (here) by subscribing to my podcast at: https://circularityedge.podbean.com/
If you are interested in being a part of the change and or working closely with me in Circularity Edge on these new initiatives, contact me via the CONTACTS page at: www.circularityedge.com or via my LinkedIn page.
Stay well and find ways to be part of the solution to the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Best wishes, Ken
In this podcast Ken talks about making New Year's Resolutions as we move into 2020. Not just STARTING, but acting with VISION (20:20) and accepting fate as we play the game, as we are NOT in control of the complex world we live in.
In renewing his personal commitment to working to design and implement a sustainable, circular economy Ken talks about the 2 main areas of his focus in 2020 and invites YOU to work with him in your city, mentoring and taking actions locally wherever you are in the world.
Contact Ken at: www.CircularityEdge.com or www.CircularAssets.com.
In this podcast Ken reflects on 2019, the end of the decade and looks forward to the new year, the decade of the 2020's.
He calls for this to be the "Year (and Decade) of the RE-'s":
RE-VOLUTION now, starting on January 1st 2020.
RE-DO everything for positive, beneficial outcomes.
RE-THINK – Rethink the linear business model
RE-DESIGN – Redesign for circular business models
RE-USE – Reuse materials at the end of use which RE-QUIRES new product designs and new reverse logistics systems capable of being implemented on a LOCAL level.
RE-NEW – Renew your personal commitment to reducing your negative footprint on the planet and to increase your positive footprint.
RE-GENERATE – Regenerate the earth, put Carbon where it is meant to be – in soil, in living matter as productive carbon.
RE-ENERGIZE – Reenergize your power needs with clean renewable energy.
RE-DUCE – Reduce, then eliminate the BAD or negative footprint of the linear economy and then go beyond setting “less bad” goals to setting goals with positive, beneficial outcomes.
RE-VALUE – Revalue people, places and culture – locally and globally.
RE-PAIR – Repair goods and provide services to keep products at a high quality, operating for extended periods of time.
RE-EDUCATE – Put sustainable, circular economy into schools and universities, not just in the curriculum but also into the administration, the very operation of the institutions so that students are immersed in and experience a sustainable circular economy in the very fabric of their university experience.
And as many more "RE-'s" as is needed to create the REVOLUTION that's needed.
Viva La Revolucion – Economia Circular Sostenible!
I've known and worked with Alexandre Fernades for about ten years now! I first met him in Berlin and we've worked together in Brazil, the Carribean islands and across South America.
This podcast was recorded during the Circular Economy Forum of the Americas (#CEFA2019) in Medellin, Colombia. We talk about the sustainable circular economy and developments in Brazil.
Alexandre is an urbanist, Associate Consultant at GeoCidades, Senior advisor for the Circular Economy Platform for the Americas, CEP-Americas, dedicated to advocacy and strategy design applying the circular economy approach to systems on the different scales of the territory for a more sustainable development.
Contact Alex at: +55 48 9117-0540: alexandre.fernandes@sustainableamericas.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandregobbofernandes/
Today's episode tells the story of a humble pencil - Lapiz Grun.
It's an entrepreneurial venture to benefit vulnerable people in Colombia financially while simultaneously creating a closed loop cycle - for a sustainable circular economy - in graphite and in paper.
I am indebted to Juan David Pinzon, Jeffrey Jimenez and Ian Carlo Jimenez for contributing to this episode with their creativity and passion for making a difference in Bogota, In Colombia and the world.
Ken Alston with Jeffrey Jimenez at the CEID 12th Annual International Environmental Conference in Bogota, Colombia October 22, 2019.
Their project is an INSPIRATION and forms a model for what anyone can do anywhere.
How many materials you we imagine taking out of the waste stream and reconverting them to valuable goods and services.
Individually, initiatives like these seem small, but collectively they are HUGE.
Economic, social and environmental creativity and innovation - that's the heartbeat of a sustainable circular economy.
Learn more about Grun Management and the LapizGrun project:
https://www.instagram.com/grunmanagementsas/
https://www.facebook.com/GrunManagementSAS
https://twitter.com/GrunManagement
https://www.linkedin.com/company/grun-management
www.grunmnagement.com
Contact: gerencia @ grunmangement.com
In this edition, Ken Alston interviews Mauricio Zenteno, co-founder of the Camelhub in Medellin, Colombia.
Ken and Mauricio discuss the definition of Circular Economy, how the term is often misunderstood and the emerging opportunities in startups and the value of connecting through the Circular Economy Platform of the Americas network.
For details of the shared assets platform go to www.CircularAssets.com
Meet me here:
- September 26th, Cali Epicenter of Development & Peace in Cali Colombia.
- September 28-30th in Medellin , Colombia
- October 2nd in Panama City, Panama.
Thoughts from my time in Bogota and Medellin, Colombia and interview with Kevin De Cuba - Co-founder of the Americas Sustainable Development Foundation and the Circular Economy Platform of the Americas.
This is Ken Alston with THE CIRCULARITY EDGE Podcast episode #3!
OUR LUNGS ARE ON FIRE!
The lungs of the Earth – the Brazilian rainforest - is on fire and burning at a rapid pace.
Join me to discuss sustainable circular economy actions we can take on the eve of my visit to Bogota and Medellin, Colombia
In this episode of The Circularity Edge, Ken Alston discusses the principles of Circular Design and the need to design into safe technical and/or biological cycles. The need to design for multiple sustainability outcomes is reviewed along with examples of solar and wind turbines which are moving energy to non-renewable forms but are not currently designed for the circular economy.
The so-called "Butterfly diagram" from the Ellen MacArthur foundation is derived from the Technical and Biological cycles from the book "Cradle to Cradle - Remaking the Way We Make Things", by William McDonough & Michael Braungart, North Point Press, 2002.
Note: In reality the technical cycle is in the biological cycle as we are all on the Earth and are part of its biological cycle.
In this podcast I'll discuss the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution and where the concept of Sustainable Development came from. I'll talk about how for 32 years we've struggled to achieve "sustainability" and why the business response for over 27 years of "Eco-efficiency" is insufficient to the task. I'll introduce the concept of "Circular Economy" and begin to explain what it is.
For more information on The Circular Economy or to contact Ken Alston --> GO HERE