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Circular Economy

The London Green Directory!

Air Quality | Waste | Food | Water | Energy | Transportation | Ecowise Consuming | Empowerment| Biodiversity | Circular Economy

TREA’s Circular Economy page is supported by TD’s Friends of the Environment Foundation.

What is the circular economy?

The circular economy is a forward-thinking approach to managing resources that reduces waste, promotes reuse, and supports environmental regeneration. Unlike the traditional “take-make-dispose” model, which depletes natural resources, the circular economy ensures that products and materials are kept in use for as long as possible through recycling, repairing, and repurposing. This system not only benefits the environment but also creates economic opportunities by fostering innovation and new business models.

One key example of circularity is the practice of refurbishing electronics rather than discarding them such as through international initiatives like repair cafés. The London Repair Café host free monthly events to help residents fix appliances, clothing, and furniture, preventing waste and extending product life cycles (London Repair Café, 2024). Businesses are also beginning to embrace circular practices by designing products with durability and recyclability in mind, helping to create a more sustainable economy.

For a comprehensive overview of circular economy principles, visit the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org).

Why does a circular economy matter?

Waste generation in Canada is a growing problem, with over 35 million tonnes of waste sent to landfills annually (Government of Canada, 2022). Ontario is one of the largest contributors, with cities producing thousands of tonnes of municipal waste every year. This linear system results in resource depletion, increased pollution, and high carbon emissions. Transitioning to a circular economy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decrease landfill waste, generate new jobs in repair, remanufacturing, and recycling industries, and strengthen local businesses and innovation hubs.

The City of London has set ambitious goals, such as diverting 60% of waste from landfills by 2025 under the Waste Diversion Action Plan including through the implementation of a composting program. By investing in circular infrastructure, including composting programs, extended producer responsibility policies, and better waste management facilities, London is taking critical steps toward a more sustainable future. As of March 2025, the City’s composting program has a 60% participation rate!

Source:

https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-reducing-waste/municipal-solid/reducing.html

https://www.londonenvironment.net/improving_recycling_composting

Circular economy & climate action

A circular economy plays a significant role in reducing carbon emissions. Manufacturing new materials consumes vast amounts of energy and generates pollution. Recycling and reusing materials lower this impact significantly. For example, recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy required to create new aluminum, the recycling process saves a similar percentage in greenhouse gas emissions. Composting organic waste reduces methane emissions from landfills, contributing to cleaner air and healthier soils.

London is actively integrating circular economy practices into its Climate Emergency Action Plan, including initiatives such as city-wide composting and retrofitting buildings with recycled materials (City of London, 2024). Businesses and residents alike can contribute to these efforts by adopting sustainable consumption habits and supporting policies that promote circular practices.

Source:

International Aluminium: Aluminium Recycling

https://getinvolved.london.ca/climate?tool=news_feed

Circular economy in action: London, Ontario

London is home to a growing number of initiatives and organizations that are driving the circular economy forward. These efforts demonstrate how individuals, businesses, and communities can work together to create a more sustainable future:

  1. Goodwill Industries Ontario Great Lakes: By donating and purchasing secondhand goods, Londoners support job creation and waste reduction. Learn more at Goodwill Industries.
  2. The Institute for Community Sustainability: This organization oversees London’s Thing Library and Repair Cafés. Find more information at https://communitysustainability.ca/
  3. London Environmental Network (LEN): LEN helps to build a more sustainable city by offering environmental programs and climate action opportunities for residents. Reach them https://www.londonenvironment.net/ or info@londonenvironmental.ca.
  4. London Food Bank’s Urban Agriculture Program: This initiative reduces food waste by redistributing surplus produce and teaching residents how to grow their own food. Visit London Food Bank for details.
  5. London Repair Café: A volunteer-led initiative that repairs electronics, furniture, and textiles for free to extend their lifespan. Join their monthly events, find the calendar and location on their website (https://communitysustainability.ca/repaircafe).
  6. Thames Region Ecological Association (TREA): TREA has been working to promote a circular economy in London through their Circular Economy workshops, and composting and recycling support at various city events year-round! TREA also has a composting demonstration site on the premises. Learn more at trea.ca
  7. UnLondon Digital Media Association: This makerspace promotes circular innovation through 3D printing with recycled plastics and upcycling workshops. Contact them at info@unlondon.ca.

Business and innovation in a circular economy

fostering innovation in London. Many local companies are exploring ways to integrate sustainable practices into their supply chains, from using recycled materials to designing products for reuse. Fanshawe’s Centre for Research and Innovation collaborates with startups to develop biodegradable packaging and circular manufacturing processes. The Circular Economy Innovation Hub provides resources for businesses looking to transition to sustainable models.

Additionally, London’s strategic location in southwestern Ontario makes it a prime hub for developing circular supply chains, which can help reduce costs and environmental impacts while fostering economic growth. The city’s focus on research and development is encouraging partnerships between businesses and academic institutions to find innovative solutions for waste reduction and resource efficiency.

Sources:

Fanshawe 2024: Fanshawe receives funding to create packaging advancement centre

Circular economy and local food systems

One often-overlooked aspect of the circular economy is its potential to transform local food systems. In London, initiatives like the London Food Bank’s Urban Agriculture Program and community gardens are reducing food waste and promoting sustainable agriculture. By redistributing surplus produce and teaching residents how to grow their own food, these programs create a closed-loop system that benefits both people and the planet.

Farmers’ markets, such as the Western Fair Farmers’ Market and the Covent Garden Market, also play a role by connecting consumers with local producers, reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. Supporting these initiatives not only strengthens the local economy but also fosters a deeper connection between residents and their food sources.

Sources:

https://www.londonfoodbank.ca

https://themarketwfd.com/about-us/

https://coventmarket.com/

How you can participate

  • Reduce and Reuse: Shop at local thrift stores like Goodwill or Mission Services.
  • Repair and Maintain items: Clothing, appliances, gadgets to extend their lifespan
  • Compost: Start composting at home or participate in community composting programs like those offered by TREA (https://www.trea.ca/resources/composting-101/).
  • Support Local: Buy from local businesses and farmers’ markets to reduce transportation emissions and support the local economy.
  • Single use out: Replace single-use items with reusables (bags, bottles, containers).
  • Advocate: Support policies like extended producer responsibility (EPR) and municipal composting programs.
  • Connect: Join TREA to promote sustainable practices.
  • Reduce Food Waste: Plan meals, store food properly, and use leftovers creatively to minimize waste.

The circular economy is more than just a concept—it’s a practical, impactful way to build a sustainable future for London. By working together, we can reduce waste, create jobs, and protect our planet for generations to come.

Additional resources

The circular economy is more than a trend—it’s a pathway toward a sustainable, thriving London. By working together, we can build a resilient community that benefits the environment, economy, and future generations.