What Might We Say about a Circular Economy? Some Temptations to Avoid if Possible

The goal is not so much to see that which no one has seen, but to see that which everyone sees in a totally different way. —Schopenauer A good number of people are talking about a “circular economy” these days. This is a step forward and a step change since recent reports point out its positive potential for business and communities mired in the Great Recession (http://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy/circular-economy/towards-the-circular-economy). However, a casual interpreter might conclude it is just about widget prices and engineering reverse supply chains or a revved up recycling scheme. This would be a grave misapprehension. This short article is an exploration of the essential differences and the central role of a systems perspective in constructive discussion in this context.