Post written by Maiya Justice, Intern, George Mason University, Class of 2024

There is so much discussion about sustainability these days, but what does that mean for our economy? What is the best way to adhere to the principles of sustainability when viewed through the lens of our financial system? Many experts have agreed that the way to move forward is to reduce our overall consumption of things, while also being more thoughtful (or "intentional") about our consumption. This is what we call the circular economy.

What is a circular economy?

In a circular economy, the materials we use are recycled and put back into circulation for as long as possible. This is different from a linear economy, in which all the resources consumed are then expelled as waste. An example of a circular economy approach is upcycling furniture and clothes (taking unused or unwanted items and making something new) or recycling what you can. Anything that keeps the items we use out of the landfill!

What can you do to help?

According to the Unites States Environmental Protection Agency, Americans produce over 290 million tons of waste per year, with roughly half of that ending up in a landfill. But there are actions that we can take to reduce our waste.

Here are some ideas to help us refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle:

• Consume less: The best thing we can do for ourselves, as well as the environment, is to be more intentional with our consumption. For example, try clothing on in store before purchasing and prioritize long-lasting goods.
• Shop second-hand: Thrift stores are a great way to keep items out of the landfill! By purchasing second hand, you are creating less demand for new products. Remember to only buy the things you really want!
• Buy in bulk: Frequently, the food we purchase is wrapped in A LOT of plastic. To help reduce food packaging waste, try to buy your standard grocery items in bulk!
• Start composting: One way that you can help reduce your food waste is to start a compost pile in your backyard! There are also options for indoor composting you can find online as well. Fairfax County offers a Food Scraps Composting Drop Off location at the I-66 Transfer Station, the I-95 Landfill Complex, and Farmers Markets locations. 
• Recycle what you can: Recycling may seem like a daunting activity, but we’ve got you covered here in Fairfax County! We have the I-66 Transfer Station where you can drop off your e-waste, hazardous liquids, and even compost! For glass, there are the purple bins where you can deposit your bottles and jars at whatever time works best for you!
• Repair what you have: Another good way to reduce your waste is to repair items in your home! A fun group activity that we recommend would be a DIY party! In which everyone brings something to try and repair it. It is a fun bonding activity, which also helps the environment. Need a little help? Come to the Fix-It Clinic on March 30 at the City of Fairfax Regional Library to learn how to repair and reuse broken items.

We all have our part to play when it comes to ending the linear cycle of consumption and waste. To better our communities, and the communities of those to come, we need to work to limit the amount we throw away. And if all come together, we can make it happen!

Learn More

For more information, check out the following sites:

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle from Public Works and Environmental Services
• Composting Organic Waste from Public Works and Environmental Services
• Recycling and Trash Locations and Hours from Public Works and Environmental Services
• Fairfax County's Zero Waste webpage

Climate Matters is the blog of Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, where we share stories, insights and information related to climate change and environmental sustainability. Posts are written by knowledgeable and passionate OEEC staff members and guest authors. To read all blog posts, visit Climate Matters.