Overconsumption and high levels of resource use are challenges contributing significantly to the climate and biodiversity crises. A recent study has shown that Scotland is currently only 1.3% circular, meaning that over 98% of the products consumed in Scotland come from newly extracted materials. In other words, most of what we buy, use or consume in Scotland is not reused again within Scotland, despite the huge potential to do so.
This research project aims to support policymakers in promoting behaviour change, developing new business models, and understanding workforce skills necessary to accelerate the transition to a more ‘circular economy’ in Scotland. This change will involve moving from a linear ‘take, make and dispose’ model of consumption to a more circular model which focuses on reducing the amount of resources we consume overall, through actions such as reusing and repairing things instead of throwing them away, and ensuring that materials can be recycled into new products, rather than creating more waste.
The project is focusing on the 'everyday' aspects of the circular economy - how we can transition to a more circular way of being in the everyday aspects of our lives, whether at home or work.