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Decision time! For at least the last few years I’ve been referring to the environmental
ly-driven image of After Capitalism as “Sustainable Commons.” But as I’ve dug in deep to the dozen concepts supporting Sustainable Commons, I’ve detected a sense that sustainable is a bit “old-fashioned.” I’m not sure that that’s the right word, or that I agree with it, but …. Probably the most compelling “anti” sustainable argument is that many have suggested “sustainable development” is an oxymoron – especially those advocating degrowth. I will confess this seems almost a bit heretical to me, as I’ve been fighting for sustainability my whole career. I realize that the word is not the concept, but ….
Alongside this nagging doubt is a growing admiration for the Circular Economy concept. I am almost as excited about this as I once was about sustainability. It’s such an elegant concept. It is a great framework. And I think it has some marketing/branding appeal. By that I mean I can see it catching on in a big way. It already has to some extent, although I think the pandemic has slowed down some of its momentum.
OTOH, is it too soon. Is circular a flash-in-the-pan, soon to be forgotten? I don’t think so, and you can probably tell which way I’m leaning. Help me out – what do you think? – Andy Hines
Circular…as Sustainable being replaced by Regenerative as I type…also humankind instinctually attracted to circles in concept & form…a powerful positive image easy for most to gravitate towards over a word that connotes such a complex condition…& one associated with a tinge of guilt.
Good point on regenerative — indeed that has been gaining strength. When we wrote about this back in 1995 we talked about environmental “enhancement,” but i really like regenerative. Thanks!