While each of us has a role in caring for the planet, the truth is, individual action alone won’t solve the crisis.
Many of today’s environmental and social crises — from toxic pollution to climate change — stem from our “take-make-waste” economic system, built on endless extraction, overproduction, and waste.
But there is an alternative — a circular economy.
It will take bold change to move away from the damaging, extractive linear economy towards one built on circularity, regeneration, Indigenous rights, well-being, and justice.
Ecojustice has developed a vision for a circular economy at all levels of government, including the following guiding principles that could inform a shared vision for a circular economy:
1. Systems change
Address the colonial, extractive and consumption-based underpinnings of the economy through systemic reforms, not just technological solutions.
2. Ecological limits
Live within our earth’s limits, by producing and consuming less, and using material, resources and energy in a cyclical manner. Prioritize source reduction, reduced consumption, reuse, and repair, with resource recovery (recycling) as a last resort.
3. Reciprocity
Live in relationships with the land where we give back and restore what has been taken.
4. Holistic approach
Apply full cost accounting and life cycle assessment of all associated impacts from the use of materials and energy (e.g. climate, biodiversity, and health).
5. Intersectionality
Advance interrelated climate, biodiversity, reconciliation, decolonization, social justice, equity and just transition objectives (see principles 6-9 as examples).
6. Indigenous rights, knowledge and sovereignty
Prioritize Indigenous voices and knowledge in developing a circular economy vision and strategy, support Indigenous economies (what some are framing as “economic reconciliation”), and ensure Indigenous communities’ benefit.
7. Social justice and equity
Address historical and ongoing disproportionate impacts and inequities caused by the current linear economy on Indigenous peoples, racialized, and marginalized communities.
8. Just transition
Create and sustain good jobs in new economies, and ensure workers, Indigenous peoples, racialized, and marginalized communities benefit from a just transition (e.g. invest in solutions that benefit their communities).
9. Intergenerational justice and equity
Ensure justice and equity between current and future generations.
10. International obligations
Comply with international obligations to ensure environmental protection and justice across jurisdictional borders.
11. Inclusivity and participation
Promote a plurality of perspectives and solutions; centre Indigenous leadership and other marginalized perspectives; and create processes that consider needs of future generations and non-humans.
12. Non-regression
Strengthen protections, and do not weaken those provided.
We’re pushing for a circular economy
Federal and provincial governments have made commitments to tackle plastic pollution, address environmental racism, advance the Right to a Healthy Environment, secure a just and sustainable critical mineral supply chain, and move forward with reconciliation.
We are holding them to those promises.
