Circular Cambridge is a Cambridge Carbon Footprint project, exploring the circular economy, all the way from how we design and manufacture our goods, through how we can keep them in use longer, to how our goods can be recycled or the resources reused at the ends of their lives. It showcases all the positive things already happening in Cambridge in recycling, reuse, sharing, repair and eco-design and manufacture.
It's easy to get involved. You can volunteer, come along to an event, or host an event yourself. We're looking for new groups, organisations and businesses to participate too.
Circular living is
Rethinking ownership
A new ‘access over ownership’ generation wants: the hole in the wall but not the drill, the mobility but not the car, the nice clothes to wear and good books to read, but not the clutter. The internet is quickly connecting millions of ‘wants’ with millions of ‘haves’, resulting in many people rethinking traditional concepts of ownership.
Consuming differently
Shops like MUD Jeans are helping us consume differently. MUD rent jeans for a year, and remanufacture worn out ones into new pairs. If you scan a QR code on Remo's clothing, you’ll get to see a short video with product info on the proportion of recycled fibers compared to new fibers, as well as the savings in energy, water and C02.
Sharing cities
In response to environmental pressure and to strengthen communities Seoul has joined the sharing city movement, investing in fleets of shared cars, toy and tool libraries and meal sharing opportunities. They've also opened municipal offices and car parks to the public and linked students with older people with room who may want company.
Innovative business
Companies like Argos are seeing value in unwanted products and are encouraging reuse, return and recycling by offering vouchers in exchange for unwanted tablets and phones. Other companies, are investing in circular design. For example Fairphone has designed a phone which can be easily fixed by anyone, while Ford is making compostable car-parts.