Does the United States Have a Circular Economy?
The United States is seen as a progressive country, but is its economy sustainable? Find out in this article.
What is a circular economy?
A circular economy is an economic and environmental concept that aims to reduce waste, promote sustainability, and maximize the efficient use of resources. Circular economies offer a different approach to current linear models of production.
Circular economy vs. linear economy
When a company makes a product, there is not much consideration of what happens to the product once the consumer is done with it. Its “end of life” often falls upon the purchaser. Often time consumers experience a hesitation when it comes to figuring out what to do with items that no longer have a use. Common options for discarding unwanted items are by disposing of them in the trash, recycling them, or making a donation. This is reflective of what is called a linear economic model. The key aspects of this model are production, consumption, and disposal.
What makes circular economies special? Circular economies reimage the linear model. The most impactful and forward-thinking aspect of circular economies is they begin to reimagine the cycle from the source by putting the ecological responsibility back onto the manufacturers instead of on the consumers.
Is the US a circular economy?
The United States has been making efforts to transition towards a more circular economy, but it has not fully achieved that status. The U.S. economy still operates primarily on a linear model, where resources are extracted, used, and discarded as waste. However, there are growing initiatives, policies, and businesses that are working to incorporate circular economy principles into various sectors.
Some areas where circular economy practices are being implemented or explored in the United States include:
Waste Management and Recycling
The U.S. has a well-established system for waste management and recycling, but there is still room for improvement in increasing recycling rates and reducing waste sent to landfills. Many states and municipalities have set recycling targets and are working on improving recycling infrastructure.
Circular Design and Innovation
Some U.S. companies are adopting circular design principles, creating products that are more durable, repairable, and recyclable. This includes efforts to design electronics, textiles, and other goods with a focus on extending their lifespan.
Circular Business Models
Certain industries are exploring circular business models that help to reduce waste and increase the lifespan of products. This encourages manufacturers to create longer-lasting products that are not meant to end up in landfills.
Sustainable Packaging
There's an increasing emphasis on reducing single-use plastics and developing sustainable packaging solutions. Some companies are exploring biodegradable materials and packaging that can be easily recycled.
Circular Supply Chains
Businesses are examining their supply chains to identify opportunities for reducing waste, optimizing resource use, and increasing the longevity of products and materials.
Policy Initiatives
While there isn't a comprehensive national circular economy policy, some states and local governments are implementing regulations and incentives to promote sustainable practices, recycling, and waste reduction.
The progress toward a circular economy is a gradual process and can vary across different regions and industries within the United States. Circular economy principles require changes in mindset, practices, and infrastructure, and such transitions do tend to take time and require support from many parties.
5 circular businesses to support in the US
Supporting circular brands is a way to align your lifestyle choices with your values, contribute to a healthier planet, support ethical practices, and inspire positive change in the fashion industry. It also offers an opportunity to make a difference through conscious consumption and promote a more sustainable and equitable future.
Here are five circular brands within the United States that are leading the way in circularity:
Patagonia
Patagonia is a renowned outdoor clothing brand committed to environmental and social responsibility, known for its high-quality and durable products.
Allbirds
Allbirds creates eco-friendly footwear using sustainable materials like merino wool and tree fibers, with a focus on comfort and minimizing carbon emissions.
For Days
For Days offers a Take Back Bag program, which offers their consumers a discounted price to purchase their products as long as they send them a bag full of their old clothing. For Days guarantees that the clothing waste will be disposed of in a sustainable way.
Paka
Paka ethically sources their alpaca fiber for their clothing. They ensure that all of their products are made from strong and biodegradable fibers. Their clothing is outstanding in terms of durability and longevity and will not contribute to waste.
Reformation
Reformation offers stylish and sustainable clothing made from eco-friendly materials and incorporates circular practices like garment recycling.
These brands are committed to sustainability, ethical practices, and circularity, making them excellent sustainable fashion options.
Click here for a complete guide on supporting ethical fashion and eco-friendly clothing while living a sustainable lifestyle.
How can you help the circular economy?
Would you like to learn more about the circular economy? Click here to access our blog and read full articles on different topics, such as circularity and sustainability.
At Carom, we inform you of the newest sustainable information and the best circular companies to redirect your linear purchases. As a part of our eco-activist team, you will receive information to help you make sustainable choices while allowing us to hold corporations accountable for their effect on the ecosystem.
Our eco-activist membership is a great way to stay updated with what is happening worldwide while supporting linear systems to be transformed. You are helping the world by staying informed and becoming a part of something larger!
