That retail store you were at to pickup new threads may look completely different in 5 years. Building materials for shop fit-outs are like clothing for fast fashion. Once it goes out of fashion its dumped.
In Aotearoa we send approximately 2.2 million tonnes of construction waste into our whenua every year. That's 314 rugby fields!
And the growing trend for retail is more “frequent renovations” as retailers try to keep up with evolving customer taste and technologies. It's not a bad thing. It's only human to make progress. We need to experiment in order to learn and change in order to grow. However we need a better way to do it without costing our tamariki.
The 'circular economy' is both a game-changing and ancient practice that is gaining momentum in the design industry. It is an economic model that is based on the principles of reducing waste and maximising the use of resources, which can have significant implications for interior design. By embracing a circular economy approach, designers and brands can create spaces that are not only environmentally sustainable but also socially and economically sustainable.
Here are several practical steps you can take to embed circularity into your practice:
+ Consider using materials that have been recycled or upcycled, rather than virgin materials.
+ Design spaces that can be easily disassembled and repurposed at the end of their lifecycle.
+ Incorporate natural materials and biophilic design principles (more on this later!), which not only have environmental benefits but also create healthier and more pleasant spaces for people.
+ Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturers who are committed to circular principles - chances are they already offer an end of life solution.
By incorporating circularity into your interior design practice or business today, we can ensure we don't rob our tamariki of their tomorrow. I'm encouraged our partners at Torpedo7 Group Ltd from The Warehouse Group are putting this into practice not just in their retail stores! Also agencies like Circularity, Sustainable Business Network and EY FSO Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) are helping design practices and companies chart clear strategies towards making circularity happen!
Lastly if you found any of this useful, I run a green building materials company called Critical. and we're passionate about supporting brands, architects and designers create beautiful and sustainable spaces using 100% plastic waste. If you would like to request a materials sample box or have a kōrero, reach out by sending me a DM!
In Aotearoa we send approximately 2.2 million tonnes of construction waste into our whenua every year. That's 314 rugby fields!
And the growing trend for retail is more “frequent renovations” as retailers try to keep up with evolving customer taste and technologies. It's not a bad thing. It's only human to make progress. We need to experiment in order to learn and change in order to grow. However we need a better way to do it without costing our tamariki.
The 'circular economy' is both a game-changing and ancient practice that is gaining momentum in the design industry. It is an economic model that is based on the principles of reducing waste and maximising the use of resources, which can have significant implications for interior design. By embracing a circular economy approach, designers and brands can create spaces that are not only environmentally sustainable but also socially and economically sustainable.
Here are several practical steps you can take to embed circularity into your practice:
+ Consider using materials that have been recycled or upcycled, rather than virgin materials.
+ Design spaces that can be easily disassembled and repurposed at the end of their lifecycle.
+ Incorporate natural materials and biophilic design principles (more on this later!), which not only have environmental benefits but also create healthier and more pleasant spaces for people.
+ Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturers who are committed to circular principles - chances are they already offer an end of life solution.
By incorporating circularity into your interior design practice or business today, we can ensure we don't rob our tamariki of their tomorrow. I'm encouraged our partners at Torpedo7 Group Ltd from The Warehouse Group are putting this into practice not just in their retail stores! Also agencies like Circularity, Sustainable Business Network and EY FSO Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) are helping design practices and companies chart clear strategies towards making circularity happen!
Lastly if you found any of this useful, I run a green building materials company called Critical. and we're passionate about supporting brands, architects and designers create beautiful and sustainable spaces using 100% plastic waste. If you would like to request a materials sample box or have a kōrero, reach out by sending me a DM!