Circular Economy and Us

Over in this corner of the internet, we’d like to carve out a space where we share research, design and building skills that help communities around us with reducing waste and reusing resources .Our mission aligns perfectly with the three core principles of a circular economy: Eliminate waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems.

If you haven’t heard of this concept before, let’s talk about it! For companies making products, they have to make durable items that won’t be trashed within a few months due to manufacturing problems. Of course, throughout their production line they shouldn’t be polluting the environment with any byproduct wastes. To be fully committed to the 3 principles, these companies may also ‘give back’ to the environment by planting trees and enhancing biodiversity. As consumers, we should have the ability to mend and reuse these products to further their lifespans – keeping them in use for much longer. 

We know that participating in the circular economy is no easy feat! It is now easier than ever to trash disposable items and buy into crazes seen on our Tiktok feed. What gives us hope is that a lot of Singaporeans are doing great things by giving second lives to disposable items! We adore brands like My Naked Bar who use milk/juice cartons for their soap packaging (how smart!). If you're a small business owner, you might already be aware of Package Pals who collect cardboard boxes from users for sellers to use them for packing their own mailed items. And while shifting to thrift shopping and being a conscious consumer may feel tough at the start, don’t let that feeling deter you. I swear, I've found my favourite items second-hand and finding them can be so rewarding! 

To commemorate Earth Day, let’s talk about the simple ways we can adopt circular practices in daily lives! 

Before getting a brand new item, ask yourself:

• Do you really need it?
• Do you already have a product at home that shares the same purpose (remember – often things may serve more than one purpose!)
• E.g. If you want a new cup, there’s other things that may serve the same function (a mason jar, a bottle, etc.)
• Can you get it second hand through thrift stores/Carousell/Facebook marketplace/cash converters? 
• This gives second lives to the items you’ll be getting 
• Consider anything and everything! From clothes and bottles to microwaves, books, and bags, there's always a chance to reduce waste. 

Before trashing something, ask yourself:

• Can it be used in a different manner? 
• Coffee beans/crushed egg shells can be added to your potting mix in your garden
• Vegetable offcuts and trimmings can be boiled and made into vegetable stock for your next meal! 
• Citrus fruit skins can be used in DIY enzyme cleaners
• Glass bottles can be made into cups or pencil holders… get creative! 
• Can it be mended/repaired?
• Support your local shoe cobblers, tailors and mechanics to extend the lifespan of your shoes, clothing and electronics! Or better yet, learn how to DIY that fix!
• Can I give it to someone else who could find a better use for them?
• A fellow craftsperson might be happy to get excess materials from you!
• Is there a facility or an initiative that would appreciate these items?
• LASTLY, can it be recycled?