We support a circular economy, which looks at the way things are made and consumed to minimise the use of resources and reduce waste and carbon emissions.
A circular economy describes the way things are made and consumed so as to minimise the use of resources and reduce waste and carbon emissions. The idea is to reuse things for as long as possible through repair, recycle and redesign.
Our map shows business and community initiatives that are working to reduce waste and extend the use of resources. Use it to find places that offer package-free groceries or where you can repair or borrow items, rather than buy.
To use the map, click on a category icon and then use the subcategories to search for what you need. Or type any words relating to your search into the search bar at the top of the page. We recommend that you open this map in full-screen.
Adding or editing a business or community initiative
Click the 'add your business button' at the bottom of the map or fill in your business details in our form. We will review your submission to see if it fits within the circular economy, and then add to the map.
To update your business listing in the map or to recommend another local business or community initiative, please email [email protected].
Emphasising a shift from extraction to regeneration of the Earth’s resources.
Community examples: Regenerative farming practices for a sustainable food supply, restoration and protection of natural ecosystems, shifting to renewable energy.
Business examples: Composting food waste, shifting to renewable energy, viewing ‘waste’ as a design flaw. Designing products with longevity, reusability, repairability and recyclability in mind.
Consuming mindfully. Reducing consumption where possible. Purchase items that are designed to have a long life, are repairable and/or reusable.
Community examples: Refusing unnecessary items. Libraries, hire shops, car share apps are all organisations that allow people to reduce what they own while still having access to things they need.
Business examples: Re-assess what you need and refuse to purchase or supply unnecessary items in your business. Work with suppliers to reduce excessive packaging.
The value extracted from products increases the more they are used/stay in circulation. Reusing and/or purposing items looks to extend the life of items at their highest value.
Community examples: Shopping second hand is one of the best ways to extend the life of a products. This includes charity shops, online marketplaces, consignment and vintage stores.
Business examples: Upcycling and producing items from repurposed materials. Offer product buy back/take back services to extend the life of goods through repurposing and/or resale.
These methods prolong the life of products and allow for continued use at their highest value. Often the ability for items to be repaired or restored rely on how they are designed.
Community examples: Tailors, cobblers, mechanics and appliance/IT repairers, just to name a few, all help prolong the life of products. Repairability should be an important consideration when purchasing products.
Business examples: The ability to repair should be considered when purchasing business furniture, equipment, fittings and fixtures. Design products that can be repaired. Provide repair advice or services to customers.
It is important to be able to recover the value of a product’s raw materials at the end of a product’s life and only after it was moved through the hierarchy. Recovered materials are sold back to manufacturers, beginning the circle again.
Community examples: Prioritise purchasing products with recycled content. Taking a moment to sort your waste items into their correct bins ensuring valuable materials are kept in circulation through recycling.
Business examples: Prioritise purchasing products with recycled content and seeking out suppliers who actively take part in the Circular Economy. Ensuring accurate materials separation at end of life and diverting valuable materials from landfill are crucial.
Learn more about the environmental, reputational and financial advantages to running your business sustainability.