Participating in the circular economy roundtable hosted by Worn Gundidj offers a valuable opportunity for our garden to collaborate with other groups and enhance our sustainability practices.
We had a tour with nursery manager Anthony who explained the production and operations they have including the retail side and commercial plant supply side with thousands of plugs going out to plantings across the state.
We tasted some of the bush food plants with an explanation of their uses thanks to Dylan, whose completing his traineeship in horticulture.
Next we heard from Cameron Kaufman, a ‘circular economist’ from Coreo who took us through the current state and shared some basic information about how we can make change through exploring circularity principles.
We have long embraced ecological, social, and economic sustainability, aligning with our purpose to promote sustainable living and foster community engagement so this information was a really powerful reminder of the importance of what the garden does.
What is the circular economy?
At its core, the circular economy is an alternative to our current economy, for meeting human needs and fairly distributing resources while restoring nature’s functions and regenerating the natural capital on which we depend. Unlike the linear economy, where products are created, used, and then discarded, the circular economy seeks to eliminate waste, keep products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible at their highest value, and regenerate natural & social systems.
The circular economy is built on three principles that guide its implementation across different sectors, including the nursery industry.
Eliminate waste and pollution
In a traditional linear economy, waste is often an inevitable byproduct of production and consumption processes. However, in a circular economy, waste is considered a design flaw. By rethinking and redesigning products and processes, businesses can minimise waste and prevent pollution from occurring in the first place.
Circulate products and materials for as long as possible
It's important to keep products and materials in use at their highest value for as long as possible. By extending the lifecycle of products, businesses can reduce the demand for new resources and minimise waste.
Regenerate natural & social systems
Instead of merely sustaining current practices, the circular economy seeks to restore and enhance natural ecosystems. This means using renewable resources, supporting biodiversity, and replenishing ecosystems that have been degraded by human activity.
While many are familiar with the 3 Rs—reduce, reuse, recycle—the circular economy encompasses a broader framework known as the 9 Rs, with the most environmentally beneficial listed first:
Refuse: Avoid purchasing or using unnecessary products or materials that generate waste.
Rethink: Reconsider how products are used and explore more efficient ways to utilise them.
Reduce: Minimise the use of raw materials and energy in production and consumption processes.
Reuse: Use a product again for its original purpose or a similar function without significant modification.
Repair: Fix and maintain products to extend their lifespan and prevent premature disposal.
Refurbish: Restore an old product to a good working condition, potentially with updates or improvements.
Remanufacture: Use parts of a discarded product in a new product with the same function, maintaining higher value.
Repurpose: Utilise a discarded product or its parts in a new product with a different function.
Recycle: Process materials to obtain the same or lower quality raw material for use in new products.
By integrating these principles into our lives, we can significantly enhance our impact on local sustainability efforts.
Why collaborate?
The roundtable presents a platform to connect with various stakeholders in the horticulture industry across the region. This collaboration can lead to:
Knowledge exchange: Sharing insights and best practices with other community gardens and organisations engaged in circular economy initiatives.
Joint projects: Exploring opportunities for joint initiatives that focus on organic waste management, composting, and resource sharing.
Capacity building: Participating in workshops and information sessions to deepen our understanding of circular economy principles and how to implement them effectively.
Practical initiatives
As we engage with these learnings, we can expand upon existing practices and introduce new initiatives that align with circular economy principles. Some thought bubbles included:
Plastic pot cycling: Returning and washing pots for reuse instead of recycling.
Community composting: Building on our current composting efforts by exploring a more extensive community composting program that includes local organic waste from residents and businesses.
Seed sharing programs: Implementing seed libraries to promote biodiversity and reduce reliance on commercial seed sources.
Tool sharing: Creating a tool-sharing program within the community to encourage resource sharing and reduce costs.
Supporting systemic change
By actively participating, we can contribute to broader changes within our community:
Influencing local policies: Advocating for policies that support circular economy initiatives at the council and state level.
Inspiring other organisations: Serving as a model for other community gardens and organisations to adopt similar practices.
Building a circular economy network: Establishing connections with other practitioners to create a supportive network focused on sustainability.
Learning opportunities
Worn Gundidj are publishing engaging content modules developed in partnership with Coreo. These are free resources for the community to use so please take a look and see how you would like to get involved.
These resources include:
Podcasts
Videos
Blog posts
Workshops
We’re excited about the potential created by participating in the circular economy roundtable. By linking with other groups and embracing the comprehensive principles of circularity, we can enhance our sustainability efforts and inspire positive change within our community. This initiative aligns perfectly with our purpose statement of promoting ecological stewardship and fostering a vibrant community space for all.
We look forward to sharing more updates as we work towards a more sustainable future together.
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