Beyond an economic model: How a circular economy is rooted in love
Technical information aside, circularity is grounded in creativity, resistance, and care
We get it. The term ‘circular economy’ is intimidating, especially for those unfamiliar with the term or have no special interest in economic models.
We’ve already explained the basics, published a newsletter on how to approach conversations related to the ✨ elusive ✨ topic, and even written deep dives on how countries are implementing circular economy strategies.
But this newsletter is a little different.
This newsletter won’t state any hard figures, technical jargon, or trite, clichéd phrases about the importance of the R’s. Society is well-aware of how economic factors, such as talks of GDP, inflation, exchange rates, and unemployment, are significant enough to be covered on the daily news.
We’re also cognizant of how the economy is a potential driver of conflict, especially when the model is ego-driven. When economic powers translate into political influence, tension among nations can exacerbate, where greed and pride lead to the accumulation of wealth at the expense of environmental and societal costs.
So, why do we feel passionate about having a circular economy?
What makes the concept of circularity so special, and why do we dream of it being ingrained in the small actions we commit in our daily lives?
Circularity as a form of resistance
We are fed with advertisements and the pressure to acquire something new each day. It could be new clothes, gadgets, furniture, and even experiences that require air travel, that, upon acquiring, make you feel like a better and improved version of yourself.
While there is nothing wrong with living your best lives and enjoying the fruits of your labor, we need to resist the apathy that comes with consuming mindlessly and egotistically. Every product you buy and every service you experience can either lead to avoidable waste, be made through exploitation, or, in worst cases, both.
Circularity necessitates critical thinking, going against the status quo, and requires saying no to excessive production, spending, and acquisition.
It opposes the collective indifference towards environmental and social harm that we as a society have been ingrained with in this hyper-capitalist, competitive world.
Circularity as a catalyst of creativity
Creating products that end up in the landfill and in our oceans is a tired concept.
What’s worse is that we have grown so accustomed to the detrimental effects pollution causes (even when it directly harms human health), yet businesses continue to operate blindly in spite of this fact.
Re-imagination, reinvention, innovation — creativity is key here. With the limited resources we have, circularity forces us to be creative with what and how we create and consume, to be resourceful, and to make do with what we have.
Circularity reminds us that the world is abundant and teeming with life. It requires us to see beauty and utility in both animate and inanimate objects, redefining our understanding of value and reframing our concept of waste.
Circularity as a defiant act of love
When you love, you only want the best for your object of affection. For it not to only be safe, but for it to thrive.
Circularity isn’t only good for the natural environment, but brings people and communities closer through the acts of sharing, repairing, swapping, and collaborating. At its core, it’s about showing care and treating resources as valuable rather than disposable.
The world today is in dire need of your love — towards yourself, your communities, and our collective home, Planet Earth. Circularity encourages us to foster this love by making mindful choices, protecting what matters most, and being responsible stewards and caretakers of our shared home.
Circularity beyond the economy
Circularity, at the end of the day, transcends the economic model it was based from.
It represents a philosophical shift in how we view ourselves in relation to the world’s ecosystems. It requires us to practice humility and gratitude, and be mindful of how interconnected our existences are with every single breath, touch, and action committed in this world.
With Indigenous wisdom deeply rooted in circularity, before the concept was even articulated as such, practicing circularity goes back to our roots as human beings sans the late-stage capitalist, greed-infested society we struggle to live in today.
Circularity, in other words, is a homecoming.
Quick links to ponder on
⛔️ Bad politics are bad for business, and why boycotts work
🦆 Birds on this island have ingested so much trash, they crunch when touched
🥤 Why reusable cups aren’t just better for the planet, but for your health, too
💡 How to maintain climate optimism when everything feels doomed
🌊 Oceans with David Attenborough (2025) reveals how Earth’s interconnected waterways can be restored
Mission-driven projects that need your backing
🌿 Lilli and Aislinn, passionate wildlife conservationists, are working with agroforestry communities to build local capacity for biodiversity monitoring. Help them raise $6,000 to train local farmers observe and record the biodiversity in Lombok!
💼 The Clean Planet Project has internship spots open for anyone ready to dive into waste management solutions across Maluku, Indonesia. Reach out to Zaïda on LinkedIn if you're interested in making a dent in this space!
What do you care about enough to protect, preserve, or mend, and what are the ways that you can practice circularity in what you do each day?
—Danna from SEArcularity
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