'Curious Conversations' podcast: Jennifer Russell talks about circular economies
Jennifer Russell joined Virginia Tech’s “Curious Conversations” to talk about the concept of a circular economy. She explained that a circular economy is a shift away from the linear economy, which follows a take-make-dispose model, and instead focuses on reducing waste and reusing materials and shared examples of tangible products and industries that can be, or already are, part of a circular economy.
About Russell
Russell is an assistant professor in the College of Natural Resources and Environment and a faculty affiliate of the Global Change Center in the Fralin Life Sciences Institute. Her research is centered around the integration of industrial ecology, industrial symbiosis, and opportunities for circular systems and practice in materials and energy systems.
Takeaways
Creating a circular economy isn’t about creating new practices, such as repair and remanufacturing of goods, it’s about purposefully including those practices as a primary option, rather than a last resort.
Circular economies not only have environmental benefits, but can also increase industry profits and create employment opportunities, particularly in repair, remanufacturing, and refurbishment.
There are a variety of ways consumers are already participating in aspects of circular economies, such as leasing cars, utilizing the services of rideshare programs, or purchasing refurbished electronics.
Learn more
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About the podcast
"Curious Conversations" is a series of free-flowing conversations with Virginia Tech researchers that take place at the intersection of world-class research and everyday life. Produced and hosted by Virginia Tech writer and editor Travis Williams, university researchers share their expertise and motivations as well as the practical applications of their work in a format that more closely resembles chats at a cookout than classroom lectures. New episodes are shared each Tuesday.
