History provides valuable insight as innovators circle back towards a circular economy
‘Circular Economy Innovations & Solutions for NENW’ was the fifth and final Back Stories of Innovation event for 2023, and introduced some of the organisations and businesses creating impact by innovating towards the circular economy.
“Back Stories of Innovation is a free lunchtime event that reminds us to keep perspective by reflecting on what has gone before as we innovate to solve current challenges,” said UNE SMART Region Incubator’s Regional Connector in Armidale, Cherene Spendelove.
“This event in particular was a valuable reminder to look behind. Previous generations reused and repurposed items that were manufactured to be long-lasting. In many ways we had (and then discarded) a ‘circular economy’ before the term was even coined!”
Historian Bill Oates provided an historical backstory and an overview of our region’s history of reusing, repurposing and recycling - managing and minimising waste. He introduced three innovative NENW organisations/businesses:
Guada Lado, Manager Regional Waste at Armidale Regional Council - described how Council is embracing innovation and technology to maximise landfill space and minimise what goes to landfill. She described the waste hierarchy pyramid, and stressed that working together with governments, industry and community is the key to sustainable waste management and driving a circular economy.
Peter Westbrook, CEO The Ascent Group - shared the story of how Ascent’s secure paper-shredding and paper and cardboard recycling program was established and is now embedded in the community. Ascent provides a solution for many local businesses managing confidentiality and waste.
Amelia Hayden, The Abandoned Shed - told the story of The Abandoned Shed, a family business that is working near the top of the waste hierarchy by gathering (soon-to-be discarded) furniture and other items before they go to landfill. The business model is focussed on reuse - minimising waste, while also making a social impact (supporting families managing deceased estates or others’ property, and connecting with people across the community seeking cost-effective/other valuable furnishing solutions).
Each of these innovators shared their stories and their work, and answered the questions:
What is the innovation and research angle on your business?
Why are you doing this in New England, why now?
What’s your prediction for the future of your business / New England?
“Each of these panellists generously shared their time and their stories - demonstrating the depth of their own and also our community’s broader generosity.”
This event was proudly delivered in association with Armidale Regional Council.
