Circularity is a powerful concept that can help us create a more sustainable future. It's a simple yet effective way to ensure that we use our resources wisely and reduce our waste footprint.

In Australia, we produce almost three tonnes of waste per person each year. We are also one of the biggest consumers of single-use plastic on the planet, generating more than 50kgs each, every year.

“This huge volume of waste, alongside an unsustainable carbon footprint, have put us on a collision course with the environment,” Pro Vice Chancellor Sustainability at Murdoch University Dr Martin Brueckner says.

“The planet’s ability to sustain future generations relies upon our ability to make transformative change today.”

Dr Brueckner is leading the change at Murdoch University, with a blueprint published this month for achieving both carbon neutral status and directing zero waste to landfill by 2030.

Underpinning the zero-waste target is a commitment to circularity.

This approach helps to minimise waste, reduce the consumption of raw materials, and lessen the impact on our environment.

“Think of it as a circle where products are designed to last longer, be repaired, and eventually be repurposed or recycled,” Dr Brueckner says.

“It’s something everyone can aspire to – with recycling coming last in the cycle of waste management.”

The importance of reducing and repurposing

The first step in circularity is reducing the amount of materials we use. This means being mindful of our consumption and making choices that minimise waste.

For example, instead of buying a new phone every year, we can opt to keep our current one for longer or seek repairs. By reducing our demand for new products, we can decrease the need for raw materials and lower our environmental footprint.

Repurposing is the next step in the process. It involves finding new uses for items that might otherwise be discarded.

For instance, an old t-shirt can be turned into a cleaning rag, or a glass jar can be used to store food. Repurposing helps to extend the life of products and keeps them out of landfill.

Why recycling comes last

“While recycling is an important part of circularity, it should be considered a last resort,” Dr Brueckner says.

“This is because recycling still requires energy and resources to process materials, and not all materials can be recycled indefinitely.”

For example, plastic can only be recycled a limited number of times before it becomes unusable. By focusing on reducing and repurposing first, we can lessen the burden on recycling systems and make better use of our resources.

“Adopting a circular approach to our consumption habits can have a significant impact on the environment. It helps to conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and decrease pollution.”

It also encourages innovation and creativity as we find new ways to use and repurpose materials.

Whilst circularity isn't just about individual actions – we need better systems in place to manage waste at a state and community level – reducing the amount we’re putting into those systems can have a collective impact.

A community striving for sustainability

Murdoch’s 2030 sustainability sub-strategy, Moorditj Boodja – Strong Country, sets out how the University will reduce waste generation, move towards circularity on its campuses and support the target of zero waste to landfill by 2030.

“We’ve undertaken a waste audit and are now developing a circular economy approach that will see us, ultimately, send no waste to landfill by the end of the decade,” Dr Brueckner says.

It’s a huge goal and a work in progress, but one that we’re committed to achieving and are fortunate enough to have a wonderful community on board.”
Dr Martin Brueckner

A key part of the University’s zero waste journey is identifying opportunities to reuse or repurpose items no longer in use, such as furniture and equipment.

The University also aims to reduce and eliminate, where possible, the sale and use of single-use items on campus and to foster waste literacy among staff and students to reduce waste volumes and improve waste separation.

“Staff and students from every part of the University are finding ways to help us realise our sustainability goals, which is wonderful because every perspective is valuable and every step towards a solution counts.” 

Circularity is a powerful concept that can help us create a more sustainable future. It's a simple yet effective way to ensure that we use our resources wisely and reduce the three tonnes of waste that we’re all producing each year.

So next time you're weighing up a purchase, think about how you might reduce, repurpose, and recycle – in that order.

“We all have a role to play, and together we can make a difference.”