Envisioning a Circular Economy: The Journey of One Mid-Sized Midwestern City

Sustainability

Jennifer Petoskey¹  Eileen Naples¹  Alicia Quilici¹  Missy Stults²  Amelia Clark²  Deja Newton²  Jack Teener²  Elizabeth Santiago²  Cassie Byerly²  Galen Hardy² 

[1] Department of Public Works, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA;Office of Sustainability and Innovation, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA;

关键词: circular economy;    materials management;    zero waste;    solid waste;    environment;    life cycle thinking;   

DOI  :  10.3390/su13063157

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The City of Ann Arbor has committed to a just and equitable transition to community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030. Our guiding plan, A²ZERO, outlines seven strategies and 44 actions that were chosen by the community to achieve this goal. One of the seven strategies is “Changing the Way We Use, Reuse, and Dispose of Materials”, including the action: “move toward a circular economy”. Many cities are trying to move towards a circular economy, tailoring policies, actions, and outreach towards their unique circumstances. Regardless of context, becoming circular requires an array of actions including collaboration and partnership, policy setting, program development, and education. This paper explores how the concept of the circular economy is discussed in the peer reviewed literature and in practitioner circles, exploring similarities and differences. Following this, we undertake a critical instance case study on the City of Ann Arbor’s materials management programs and efforts towards achieving a more circular local economy. We conclude by offering pathways that Ann Arbor and other cities across the U.S. can pursue to advance a circular economy.

【 授权许可】

Unknown