• CAMDEN Council has set up a time-limited scrutiny panel on the “circular economy” and how best as a borough, both in the public and private sectors, we can pursue policies to effect change. Through your columns we would welcome any practical suggestions.

Since the term was invented in the 1960s by the economist Ken Boulding, there has been a great deal of discussion on this concept of circularity.

Essentially the aim is to replace a traditional “linear economy”, with its depressing notions of “take, make and waste”, with a much more rational “circular economy” approach of “reduce, reuse, recycle”.

It is an unhappy reality that so many products end up in landfill or in an incinerator. This panel will therefore attempt to make practical recommendations for a better approach in Camden by seeking to eliminate waste and pollution, circulating products and materials, and regenerating, if possible, by using natural materials.

Some initial scoping meetings of this cross-party panel have shown that there are some excellent initiatives in the borough. But we need to do so much more.

Research indicates that major areas to be tackled include, in no particular order: fashion and textiles, the construction industry, transport, logistics, food and agriculture, furniture, energy, minerals recovery, and the objective of moving to “zero waste”.

The sort of methods we are analysing, aiming to lower material usage and designing out waste, include:

— making the most of materials – minimising waste at the outset;

— making things well – adopting design for durability and also repairability;

— recycling built in from the start – products that are immediately recyclable or reusable;

— renting, not buying – subscription, leasing and repairing possibilities; and

— sharing – maximising the usage of underutilised products.

Inevitably there are going to be key global issues well outside the remit of Camden Council, but we can definitely support some excellent local initiatives and champion the cause of circularity by influencing large organisations in the borough, and making sure that the council is also doing what it can itself to promote circularity.

We know there are many people in Camden who have thought deeply about such issues, and we would welcome comments and suggestions at: circulareconomy@camden.gov.uk

COUNCILLORS
CAMRON AREF-ADIB
SIÂN BERRY
JULIAN FULBROOK (Chair)
MATTHEW KIRK
NINA DE AYALA PARKER