The Circular Economy Show Podcast Are cradle to cradle & the circular economy the same thing? | The origins of the circular economy
Jul 23, 2024
Katja Hansen, a prominent expert in Circular Economy and Cradle to Cradle concepts, delves into the intricate relationship between these two frameworks. She highlights key principles of Cradle to Cradle design, like resourcefulness and diversity, and critiques how businesses often misinterpret circularity as just a trend. The conversation shifts to innovative ideas, such as carpets that purify air, showcasing fresh functionalities tied to environmental solutions. Katja also emphasizes a transformative shift from mere efficiency to creating meaningful, positive impacts in design for sustainability.
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Three Core Cradle-to-Cradle Principles
- Cradle to Cradle rests on three design principles: materials as nutrients, use of current solar income, and celebration of diversity.
- These principles frame products to circulate in biosphere or technosphere and prioritize regenerative design.
Use Case Determines Material Cycles
- Cradle to Cradle distinguishes a biosphere and a technosphere but stresses use-case decides where materials should circulate.
- Designers must predict end-of-use destinations and choose suitable materials accordingly.
Don't Rebrand Business As Usual
- Avoid treating the circular economy as a marketing term for business-as-usual.
- Focus on product redesign that delivers added benefits, not just marginally 'greener' versions.