The Circular Basecamp
Base camp (noun) : A main encampment providing supplies, shelter, and communications for persons engaged in wide-ranging activities, as exploring, reconnaissance, hunting, or mountain climbing.
Step into a future where the Circular Economy takes center stage. Picture it - a world that dances to a different rhythm, where scarcity sparks ingenuity, rampant consumerism finds balance, and reusing, repairing, and remanufacturing are the conductors of this symphony. The Circular Economy isn't a monolith that's set in stone; it's a river that ebbs and flows. So, instead of asking if it will reach its peak, let's uncover the milestones along its course.
Welcome, to your Circular Basecamp - a toolkit and guide for those navigating the manifold routes to circularity.
What is an Economy?
An economy asks 3 questions:
- What to produce?
- How to produce it?
- Who gets the benefits?
It also has 3 main components':
- The flows of materials
- The flows of energy
- The flows of information (particularly money)
Source: Ken Webster DIF's video
Being reliant on flows, an economy is more fluctuant than static. It changes constantly, dynamically. To think of it as something static, that reaches saturation, is like expecting a river to follow a straight line. It might be more enlightening to think of the Circular Economy like an ever-evolving melody, adding new notes and variations over time.
Instead of seeking a finite 'end state' for Circular Economy, let's switch tracks to explore something bit more concrete and equally exciting. How about we uncover the real-world applications and achievements that are tuning up the Circular Economy and ask an entirely more adventurous question — how do we set the stage for these and potentially more?
The Basecamp
Circular Basecamp is just about that, helping the practitioners of the Circular Economy to envision the "Circular peaks" to conquer and to give the tools needed to start their hikes. It's a living laboratory where guests can delve into the principles of circularity and apply them to their own lives.
Circular Basecamp’s key principles
#1 Terrain of the Circular Economy
Understanding the Circular Economy begins with three cardinal questions
on production, processes, and benefits, and the pivotal triad of
material, energy, and information flows. With these as your markers,
view the Circular Economy not just as a destination but more like a
scenic trail with multitude of peaks marking progress and potential.
#2 Landmarks of Circularity
Like any explorer, identifying unique landmarks can enhance your journey
towards circularity. These are embodied by real-world
"Product-service-systems" that are shaping the landscape of the Circular
Economy. Take BlaBlaCar, reducing the strain on our vehicle production
needs by optimizing what's already there - a tangible landmark in your
circular adventure.
#3 Packing for a Circular Adventure
For any journey, preparations are key. Circular Basecamp clears the fog
by providing a roadmap to Circular Design and a primer on the Circular
Economy. Need help packing your bag for this adventure? Our "Growing
Your Backpack" section has got you covered.
#4 A Learn-as-You-Go Exploration
Reaching the Basecamp is an accomplishment, but the real adventure lies
in the exploration ahead. Learning and understanding Circular Design
arise from the experience of following the trail and navigating its
twists and turns. Remember, the guidebook can help you plan, but the
real insights are found along the path.
#5 Expedition Teamwork
Circular exploration is a collaborative endeavor. Shared knowledge,
resources, and support from other pioneers can make the journey less
daunting and more fruitful. So, reach out to your fellow hikers and
together, let's chart this path.
Circular Basecamp’s overview
Four integrated sections make up your Circular Basecamp, enhancing each others' potential in this adventure:
- The Digital Garden: Threads of thoughts and ideas, related but not bound to the Circular Economy, offering diverse landscapes to navigate.
- Viewpoints: Reflective essays that provide key roadside views into the depth and width of the Circular Economy, Circular Design and Mindful Life.
- Totems: Stories are best remembered visually. These elaborative aids make navigating the Circular Economy, Circular Design and the Mindful Life less of a maze and more of an art.
- Library: A curated collection of books that form the signposts and lighthouses guiding you deeper into the Circular Economy.
Dive in
If you're just stepping onto the trail, "Circular Economy 101" could
be your first step. Enjoy your hike and remember, at the Basecamp, we're
always here to swap stories.
Happy trails,
Baptiste