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The circular economy is one in which more of the outputs become inputs, or new outputs. Proponents call it cradle to cradle. Note the absence of “to grave” in the formulation. Too many graves are a problem to be solved through a massive paradigm shift and a dollop of technological fixes.
The circular economy is the opposite of the linear one in which much of the output ends up in a landfill. Much of what we throw away is not away. Away is a place, and we live in or near it.
Such an economy has much to do with the buzzwords sustainability, environmental stewardship, Eco-efficiency and an even older one--recycling. It incorporates these and becomes a way of thinking and behaving.
The concept is making its way around the circuit comprised of law firms, corporate suites and chambers of commerce. But it's also being embraced by environmental activists and some government bureaucrats, who feel that they may have found common ground: an unholy alliance united in saving the planet and hopefully generating revenue in the process.
Big corporations seem spooked into action by several trends. One is the shocking cost of environmental degradation, both to their reputation and bottom lines. Another is global warming, and the natural resources like clean water that are used in the making of things. A third is demographic change, particularly younger folks in the developed world who don't want to own what their parents considered necessities. Another is population growth and an expanding global middle class that consumes more resources. Yes, commodity prices may be in the tank now, but it's temporary and no time to return to consumption-as-usual, or so the circular economy thinking goes.
The particular event on this topic attended by your WPG correspondent was sponsored by the government of the Netherlands and the above mentioned law firm, which sincerely believes in this cause and also stands to gain new business helping corporate clients push new regulations and cope with existing ones. Our Dutch friends are part of the EU environmental ethos, and are especially vulnerable given the country is below sea level and much of the subterranean water is too salty for human or commercial use.
A new business model
Behind the movement to Take (from nature), Use and Reuse is the notion that we humans need to be aware of the consequences of our consumption and economic models at every step of the value chain. What do we make, where does it go, and what effects does it have on the environment? After charting that, then you look at how you can do things differently by using and reusing other kinds of materials and processes.
One example is Dell Computers which reclaims plastics used in its devices, recycles tons of it, and uses the recycled plastic to make more devices. It also offers to recycle any electronic devices made by any manufacturer.
Another example was a large carpet maker owned by Warren Buffet that never deteriorates and can be recycled many times. The billionaire has figured out how to be a market leader by making and selling floor covering that doesn’t end up in landfill.
The message from these and other examples is that creating a virtuous circle, where less is consumed and disposed of, is not only morally necessary, it's also good for existing business and may generate new ways of making good profit while getting customers and employees to love you. On the other hand, failure to heed the trends while continuing to operate less badly, will leave you bankrupt.
All this is relevant to small business, too. Do you source product and raw materials from responsible parties? Do you pay fair prices to those who pay their workers well? Do you recycle and encourage customers to do the same? Are there changes you can make to lighten your footprint on your community and the planet as a whole? Can you partner with others to do things more effectively, such as pushing for new industry standards that reduce costs and protect the environment?
If and when you accomplish these things, you need to tell customers and prospects about them. If you do nothing better and different, and pretend it's business as usual, you may find one day soon that the business has gone.
| Product Model | Inside Diameter | Outside Diameter | Thickness |
| CR24H NTN | 15.875 | 38.1 | 23.8 |
| CR22H NTN | 12.7 | 34.925 | 20.6 |