Creating a Circular Economy

Rejecting ‘business as usual’ for a more sustainable future

Let’s face it, the current model of overproduction and overconsumption is not working. ‘Business As Usual’ calls for infinite growth on our finite planet. It’s just not possible. Overproduction requires over extraction, plundering the earth of its natural resources, taking more and more faster than the earth can replenish and regenerate. Mass production produces mass pollution and uses far more energy than the planet can sustain. Then there are the damaging implications of distribution with items being shipped and flown all over the world. And then following mass consumption, there’s the massive problem of disposal. The world is running out of space to dispose of waste responsibly. Mountains of unwanted clothes are appearing in the Atacama Desert in Chile. Mass incinerators are belching noxious fumes into the atmosphere.

There will never be a solution while the world continues with ‘business as usual’. What the world needs is a circular economy, where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated through reducing extraction, production, consumption and disposal. If we could all stop buying new and buy preloved instead, just imagine how the earth would breathe a sigh of relief and take this valuable time to regenerate and heal itself. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is well worth a look if you’re interested in what a circular economy could look like.

Green Heart Collective aims to encourage people to buy preloved instead of new by having an attractive and welcoming shop on Gateshead High Street and a wide range of quality clothing available online backed up by excellent customer service. Items are mended, washed, steamed to be sold in excellent condition where possible. Damaged items are upcycled to give them a second life.