Replaying the circular economy orchestra: The echoes of R and the symphony of I

Abstract

The Circular Economy (CE) is a pivotal pathway to achieving sustainability. This article critically reviews circularity strategies (Rs) and emphasizes the importance of not loosely categorizing any word starting with R as a new circularity strategy. It then discusses the rebound effect (another R) and the potential for overconsumption linked to CE. Furthermore, the article highlights the role of individuals, placing I at the heart of the narrative by emphasizing their pre-use and post-use roles and going beyond a consumer. It underscores that awareness does not necessarily lead to behavioural change or result in a fully circular society due to various factors such as urban/rural settings, social and cultural norms, financial status, beliefs and values, age, and gender. Finally, the concept of sufficiency and its relevance to CE are explored, highlighting the need to prioritize supply over demand and to use both bottom-up and top-down approaches.