Just do circular!

Writer: Margo Mustert
There are all kinds of new developments in the field of circular economy - a society where reuse is the basis. Amsterdam wants to be 100% circular by 2050. We are very curious to see how that will take shape! Áll companies will have to become more sustainable to contribute to this. An incredible number of new projects have been added and are under development, but you also hear about new initiatives from old companies.

In three years, for instance, the municipality wants 75% of all GFT collected. In three years, they will also start making ‘passports’ in the new building. These passports will then state what materials have been used and how this building can be taken apart again so that all parts can be used again. Auping has also applied the latter to a mattress. They are a good example of an old company that still keeps up with recent developments. They launched the first mattress that is completely circular during corona, when nobody really dared to do anything. And there are many more good examples like that. Cool developments!

Besides the municipality and companies doing their best, it is important that people also see why this is important and start acting accordingly. After all, where there is no more demand for cheap fragile products, eventually there will be no more production. Every day we vote with our money, make that vote count!

Let's all look at what materials we can reuse but keep throwing away for now. How can you give these a new place in your life or in someone else's life? ‘Waste’ is great craft material, be creative! Homemade presents or presents with a story are always more fun. If you give someone something you have enjoyed yourself, it is often more valuable to that person because there is a story attached to it.

In addition, of course, it makes a huge difference if we stop buying rubbish and instead buy quality products. Not disposable products but quality ensures that we do not just leave materials lying around and also have them repaired when broken. We simply handle quality products better because they are worth more. And that is what materials always are; valuable!
I myself get this value from bicycle tyres, for example. The inner band is fantastic material to apply in all sorts of ways. I use them as belts (nice and supple and always adjustable), lashing straps on bicycles, jewellery... I recently started a business with a friend with handmade whips. Super sturdy and totally guilt-free. Save the material if you have a flat tyre one day.

So there are all kinds of movements within the circular economy - it seems that nobody can avoid it in the end. The municipality has announced a clear move. Businesses will follow suit, and I hope consumers (you) will do your part in that too.