Economic forces make the world go round. They’re also killing the planet. We live in an era of disposables and single-use, where waste and emissions are excessive and unsustainable. According to the circularity gap report (2020) more than 90% of materials extracted globally are used only once. Once! The life cycle of our resources is linear: Extract Use Dispose. This is not sustainable. What will it take to transform our throw away economy into one where nature can regenerate and waste is a thing of the past? Imagine an economy where resources are circulated and pollution is mitigated. What if our linear economy could be a circle? The circular economy is the economy of the future. It gives us the tools necessary to conserve the environment and tackle both biodiversity loss and climate change together. And, it empowers our society through meaningful employment, prosperity, and resilience. In a circular economy, waste is not only minimized, it’s monetized. With a little creativity, the by-products of one process become the input of another, reducing the demand for raw materials, and lessening the burden on the planet. From food to fashion, circular thinking can “close the loop” and drive us into a more sustainable future. Check out industry examples from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.