- Share, Maintain and Prolong
A new item joins a pool of resources shared by a community of users who develop skills around its use and repair.
- Reuse, Redistribute
Where there is no local need for an item, it is moved in some way to another user or group.
- Refurbish, Remanufacture
When an item is beyond the capacity of the community to use or repair it, it is taken to a specialist centre that can undertake that work.
- Recycle
Finally at the end of its usability, past the point of refurbishment, the item is separated into its material parts which are put back into the manufacturing cycle.
The cycle will vary for different items depending on their complexity and materials. For information about the circular economy and how it can be implemented then check out Ellen Macarthur Foundation.
There are many different projects that you as an individual and as a community group can do to reduce waste and be part of the circular economy.
Project Ideas
Set up a Community Larder
A community larder is a place to access food that is surplus, make friends, access additional services and save money on your bills.
Local Examples:
Inverurie Community Partnership have a food larder (community pantry) distributing fresh food from CFINE and other food items donated by local supermarkets and individual donations. Alongside this, they offer packs for craft projects and workshops teaching needlecrafts.
CFINE are part of the Fareshare Food Distribution Network. They offer a fresh food delivery service for community pantries and kitchens as well as distributing from their own premises and offering training in a range of skills.
Support Services:
Zero Waste Scotland has lots of resources. For instance, if you were thinking of setting up a a community food space, they can help find you some supply partners from Zero Waste Scotland - Food Redistribution Matchmaking Service.
FareShare have information on food in the circular economy and how to get involved in their network.
Organise a Library of Things
A Library of Things is a physical space full of useful products you can use as and when you need them. These items get used repeatedly by a multitude of people.
Local Examples:
Lend and Mend is a making space in the media centre of the library building with bookable sewing machines and classes to teach making skills.
Support Services:
For a big list of library of things visit Ethical Consumer for inspiration. They even include a musical instrument library.
Create a Tool Library and Workshop
A tool library is a place where users can borrow tools, equipment, and instructional materials, functioning either as a rental shop with a charge or more commonly as a form of community sharing. There are often workspaces to use the loaned items.
Local Example
Mintlaw Men’s Shed is part of the Men’s Shed network where tools and skills are shared, and projects are undertaken to support community making projects.
Support Services:
The Men’s Sheds Association offer a supportive network for setting up one of their spaces
Set up a Repair and Upcycling Shop or Cafe
A repair café is a place where you can take ordinary household items that are no longer working, or that have become damaged, and find someone who will be able to repair it for you at no, or low, cost.
Local Examples:
The Bikery is part of Gordon Rural Action is an outlet offering bicycle servicing and selling new and recycled bicycles. It has a training scheme for apprenticeships in bicycle repairs and an ambition to open similar shops with further training in other towns.
BeCycle is a community shop that repairs, lends and sells second hand bicycles. They also run events and provide tools and support for people who want to learn to fix their own bicycles and run events.
Hatton Repair Cafe meets in the evening on the first Wednesday of the month. They fix small electrical items, clothes and provide a place to swap items you no longer want for those are looking for.
Support Services:
Repair Cafe is an organisation you can join to get support and information about how to set this type of space up.
The Restart Project has a focus on repairing electronic items supporting people to run events for repairs.
Organise a Space for Clothes Swap and Repair
Create a specialised repair space focused on fixing or repurposing clothes. These spaces often have a supply of old clothes for people to take or exchange for items from their own wardrobe.
Local Examples:
The Remakery is a bimonthly pop-up clothes swapping shop timed to coincide with the monthly market in Huntly. They take no money and do not link donation with taking items. They are keen to help others set up similar offers in other towns.
Udny Community Shelf is a place to pick up food and household items donated by other members of the community. Their Facebook page has recipes and upcycling ideas.
Clothes Swap and Repair
It was difficult to find much support. So this may be the inspiration you were looking for. Watch Multi Coloured Swap Shop - Opening Titles on YouTube.
General Support Services
Zero Waste Scotland have a lot of resources and information to assist your project and to learn more about the circular economy.
Circular Communities Scotland are the body who can support you to connect with other organisations engaged in the circular economy and point the way to resources and ideas.
Funding
The funding landscape changes all the time. Occasionally there are specific funds for circular economic activities, but they are rare. More often people find funding through the National Lottery Community Fund.
Zero Waste Scotland can provide funding, but they are often short-term schemes that may or may not reappear. Community Fridge Fund | Zero Waste Scotland
There may be lateral funding schemes you could draw upon, for instance the Cycling Scotland's Community Cycling Friendly fund might be the place to go for funding to set up a second hand bicycle hire scheme.
Help
For further funding ideas and support see our funding pages and contact us about the funds we distribute or how we can help you find other funding. We can also help you with project ideas and development so what is stopping you! Contact us now at info@nescan.org.
Other terms related to the Circular Economy
Library of Things | Tool Library | Food Bank | Community Cafe | Clothes Bank | Men's Shed | Repair Shop & Cafe | Refill Shop | Skills Share
