Downcycling
The book mentions downcycling critically, naming it one of the flaws of circular economy approaches that focus only on recycling materials without addressing overconsumption, planned obsolescence and fossil fuel reliance.
The book's single mention of downcycling is critical, naming it as one of the flaws of Circular Economy approaches viewed historically: 'These approaches risk remaining trapped within fundamentally unsustainable industrial paradigms if they focus solely on recycling materials (a process often energy-intensive, downcycling materials, and achieving low recovery rates) without simultaneously challenging the underlying drivers of overconsumption, planned obsolescence, inequitable distribution, and reliance on fossil fuels.'
Related in Community
Entries this one is tied to through the book.
Examples
- Al Gramo · both placed under The Circular Economy and recycling, critically
- Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) · both placed under The Circular Economy and recycling, critically
- Bauhaus · discussed together in section 015
- Cradle to Cradle (book by William McDonough and Michael Braungart) · discussed together in section 015
- Phoebus Cartel · discussed together in section 015
- Ulm School of Design · discussed together in section 015
Methods
- Circular Economy · both placed under The Circular Economy and recycling, critically
- Design Thinking · discussed together in section 015
In the Framework
- Materials · variable
In the book
- Chapter 2, section 015 · Engaging the Past: A Critical Inheritance
Mentioned in
Methods