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<aside> 📝 What are we missing?Add a start-up OR ✏️ **suggest an edit.**

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Problem

Circular Economy (CE) principles focus on 1) eliminating waste and pollution, 2) retaining products and materials circulating in the economy, and 3) regenerating natural systems. The creation of the circular economy framework for human production and consumption is an alternative to the traditional, linear concept of cradle-to-grave which ignores the lack of appropriate waste disposal practices.

BIPOC communities often find themselves living in areas with greater levels of landfill, waste, and even toxicity — all of which disproportionately affect living conditions and the overall health and psychological well-being both on an individual and community level. Moreover, these communities are often confined to the mercy of cheaper disposable markets alternatives — “make, use, & dispose.” Circular economies, especially those at a community level, have the potential to reduce waste and circulate more resources within underserved BIPOC communities.

Key Terms


Solutions

1. Commercializing Waste Management

Waste management innovation should occur for items that aren’t normally recyclable (ex: cigarettes, dirty diapers, contact lenses, chewing gum) and integrate this waste back into products.

Existing Solutions

What needs to be done?

<aside> 🥕 Waste management targeted at food waste: While there have been innovations implemented across the food supply chain to decrease waste, these innovations have been concentrated in the production, processing, and retail/food service segments of the supply chain. Decreasing food waste can improve food security and mitigate environmental concerns associated with landfills and waste disposal. Tech-enabled solutions could facilitate local “circular economies,” where unwanted or unused food items can be shared or even sold across households and local businesses. While solutions such as Too Good To Go and Olio exist, many consumers and communities are unaware of, unable, or possibly unwilling to use these services— requiring a shift in services and perspectives.

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2. Reducing Textile & Apparel Waste

The rise of e-commerce has created the growing challenge of what to do with product returns. In addition to the food industry, the clothing industry is another substantial source of waste.

Existing Solutions