Climate Rising Advancing the Circular Economy: A Conversation with Lauren Rodriguez of Closed Loop Partners
May 7, 2025
Lauren Rodriguez, the Head of Partnerships at Circular Services with Closed Loop Partners, shares her insights on scaling the circular economy. She highlights innovative investment strategies that support recycling and reuse initiatives, emphasizing the importance of policy like Extended Producer Responsibility. Lauren discusses the role of emerging technologies such as AI and robotics in waste management. She also provides valuable advice for aspiring professionals eager to engage in sustainable practices, urging a shift towards circular business models across industries.
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Circular Economy Philosophy
- The circular economy aims to keep materials in use, out of landfills, and reintroduced into supply chains.
- It treats materials as valuable resources to reduce environmental harm and economic waste.
Broader View of Circularity
- Closed Loop Partners prefers a broad approach, valuing all material recovery beyond strict closed loop systems.
- Keeping materials out of landfills in any form advances the circular economy's goals.
Value of Specialization
- Specializing in circular economy solutions builds expertise and attracts mission-aligned companies and investors.
- It facilitates platform and ecosystem benefits, including supply chain integration.
