The gloomy back corner of the club only served to darken the mood of Juan Tyme-Youse as he sat nursing his beer and bruised ego. “Not long ago,” Juan recalled, “One-Time-Use was the watchword.  I was at the top of my game.  It was beautiful - extract resources, process, consume & discard – all for limitless economic growth.  I was the key to a prosperous life for hundreds of millions.  We’d make it, use it, toss it and extract some more.”

       Then Juan spotted Bette Urrway, his old flame, across the dance floor.  “Who’s she flirting with, that fancy-schmancy new guy in town?” Juan muttered under his breath. “What’s his name?  Sir Cularity?  What kind of name is that?”

       Bette looked up and caught Juan’s eye; she beckoned him to join them.  He reluctantly shuffled over, and as he shook Sir’s hand, he felt as if he were symbolically passing some kind of torch.  Bette looked deep into Juan’s eyes and said, “We had some good times didn’t we Juan, but those days are over.  Sir Cularity and I are planning to build a new and even more prosperous future.”

      Bette went on to explain how Juan’s ‘linear’ model is unsustainable.  It takes extracted resources in a direct line to the landfill.  But with a circular economy, waste is minimized or even eliminated.  The Ellen MacArthur Foundation says the circular economy is based on three principles. 1. Eliminate waste and pollution.  2. Circulate products and materials (at their highest value).  3. Regenerate nature.  This system separates or “decouples” economic activity from the consumption of finite resources.  People and businesses prosper while at the same time helping manage environmental challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution.

      And it’s not all some pie-in-the-sky pipe dream.  Using the circularity model, HP, one of the world’s largest computer and printer makers, has added $3.5 billion in new sales in fiscal year 2021.*  HP is committed to reaching 75% circularity for products and packaging by 2030.  That includes the supply chain from start to finish and product use at home by consumers. 

       Elton John’s ‘Circle of Life’ began to play in the background,” …on the endless round.  It's the circle of life.”

       “So long Juan,” Bette saluted. “Our brightest future on the only home we’ll ever know now lies with a circular economy because we’re all forever…Earthbound.”
*www.marketplace.org

       Deep in the bowels of a non-descript, unmarked office building Effie Shency nodded silently as one by one her crack team of undercover agents slipped in.

       “We have a situation folks,” Effie began gravely. “You’ve all seen the news.  Europe is in the grip of an unprecedented heat wave.  Here at home, these severe weather events are draining our coffers.  Get this; since 1980 The U.S. has sustained 332 weather and climate disasters costing a billion dollars or more each.  That’s more than $2.275 trillion* all together and why I’ve called you in.  It’s time to step up our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas-emitting fossil fuels and slow these run-away costs.

       “Thankfully, clean, renewable energy alternatives continue to drop in price.  In fact, they are increasingly the lowest cost option for both industry and the home.   But…”  Suddenly, Minnie Mizer leaped up, “I know! The cheapest energy is the kind that’s never used in the first place.”

       “Bingo!” Effie agreed. “That’s where we come in.  The problem is that shiny new technologies like solar panels, wind turbines and ‘smart’ appliances get almost all of the press coverage.  Our undercover work often gets ignored.”

       “Yup,” Ty Tennup interjected.  “Energy efficiency and climate-smart use of energy doesn’t have the bling that other stuff has.  But the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)’s data shows that we’re just as important as renewables in helping to keep the planet cool.  Unfortunately, it just isn’t very sexy to add insulation, weather strip windows, and NOT use one’s car so often.”

       Ray Duce hadn’t said a word, but finally he stood up. “Guys, you’re forgetting our three huge advantages.  First, every single person can use us.  Second, increasing efficiencies can often be done for little or no cost.  And third, using less energy means more dollars in consumers’ pockets.  What’s not to like?”

       “That’s it!”  Effie smiled.  “We need to help every American become an energy undercover agent in their own home.  Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy (FOE) program – https://focusonenergy.com - will be their Go-To source for energy efficiency giveaways, tips and resources.  FOE even offers cash incentives to property-owners for scores of efficiency improvements.

       “Not only will folks save money, but it’s patriotic and environmentally-smart.  After all, this is the only home we’ll ever know; it’s where we’re all forever…Earthbound.”

* (Today’s dollars) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data