In the previous part, we served up the condensed version of circular economy theory, but now it's time for the full banquet! Get ready for some hands-on experience and plenty of tasty tidbits.
First off, let's talk about the perks of diving into the circular economy pool.
Here are some direct benefits you might enjoy:
cheaper or even free raw materials (think salvage, thrift stores, scrap yards, or online platforms for pre-loved stuff (in Poland: „Śmieciarka...”, etc.),
trendy, eco-friendly interiors with a "less waste" vibe,
overall reduction in waste, with a focus on sensible consumption and maybe even fewer mixed-up trash bins,
potentially lower costs for certain goods (recycling materials can be cheaper than mining new ones - you know, saving those limited resources),
better nature vibes in your hood (although this is a long-term result of consistently going green). Less pollution means healthier folks all around!
Now, onto the shared benefits. The perks of embracing a circular economy are hard to overstate because they tackle big issues like resource depletion and climate change head-on. With a solid circular plan in place, we all could:
slash resource losses (water, electricity, you name it) and cut down on material use by up to 70% compared to traditional methods,
save big bucks on resource extraction (with the right tech tweaks and systemic changes),
drastically reduce waste and the headaches that come with disposing of it,
lower greenhouse gas emissions,
boost your brand's value and image by being transparent about your eco-efforts and getting involved in social and environmental causes.
And just to drive the point home, circular economy isn't just some pet project of eco-enthusiasts. It's a key player in the global economy, endorsed by the EU's strategic plans and part of The European Green Deal. It's also one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the Agenda 2030 (Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production). So yeah, it's kind of a big deal.
Phot. 1. Here, the circular economy is rocking – PM1.
So, where do we start?
Alright, the lecture's done, so it's time to roll up our sleeves and get practical. Appreciating the power of proven examples, we asked our hosts what they are doing in terms of the circular economy and related activities. And we weren't disappointed. From the avalanche of emails showing their efforts, it turns out that:
we have a whole cross-section of the upcycling community. From newbie upcyclers cautiously dipping their toes into repurposing to those upcycling ninjas who practically built their entire pad from secondhand treasures – you're all amazing!
it's high time to dispel the myth perpetuating the image of upcycling as creating a greater quantity of ugly, difficult-to-segregate waste. The main principle of the circular economy says that a well-planned design stage can reduce the environmental footprint of an item by up to 80%. That's why thoughtful upcycling results in stylish, eco-friendly interiors that are as easy on the eyes as they are on the planet. Need proof? Just take a peek at Dr. Świerk or any other spot rocking the upcycled look on Slowhop.
But before you go hunting for examples, check out the general instructions that will allow you to make a smooth start in applying the principles of the circular economy – in guest facilities and private homes.
The main principle states: let's consume wisely, and if we don't have to buy a new thing, let's use already manufactured and available items on the market. So let's repair broken or old items (by ourselves or by specialists), borrow, or buy still good but used items.
This rule applies to all your shopping adventures: from jazzing up interiors to tackling DIY projects. And hey, before you splurge on that big-ticket item, consider borrowing from pals or hitting up local spots for borrowed goodies (like repair cafés). It's not just about renting tools or DIY gear, but also grabbing party essentials, movie night must-haves, or even sports gear for guests.
Let's paint a picture here: so, you're eyeing up a pair of new cozy armchairs. Now, unless you're dreaming up that one specific store-bought model that's the missing piece to your Japandi-style sanctuary, consider this:
a) give your old armchair a makeover! Think about all the funky fabrics you could play with, courtesy of your trusty upholsterer. It's like picking out the perfect puzzle piece for your dreamy interior vibe.
b) hunt down a pre-loved gem in your dream style. Who knows? You might stumble upon a hidden treasure that's just waiting to cozy up your space.
Where can you look for items for sale or for borrowing? Check out the recommendations from the list below:
Buying used items:
in person: all kinds of circular boutiques, thrift and vintage shops, thrift stores, scrapyards, and other places where you can buy used but still usable items,
if you're looking for building or gardening materials, it's worth keeping an eye on local demolitions and scrapyards.
social initiatives: cyclical events like garage sales, e.g., Flea Market in Szczecin, SWAP in Szczepin in Wrocław, or permanent ones like Dzielnik Wrocławski or Po-Dzielnia in Poznań. There's a good chance that there's a local initiative like this in your area. Take advantage of resources like the Spacerownik , Zero Waste Map, or other sources showing addresses of places supporting the circular economy.
addresses of local craftsmen, e.g., upholsterers, tilers, locksmiths, glassmakers, woodcarvers, ceramicists, or other artists who offer renovation services.
rental websites, e.g., Lokpo - local renting, Na Moment, or Rental on Olx.
Recovery:
initiatives reducing food waste, like local food-sharing initiatives (in Poland: jadłodzielnia), community fridges, actions like Foodsharing or apps like Too Good To Go.
composting - either in your own compost bin or by giving food scraps to neighbors (leftovers for animals).
Inspiration:
look for ideas under the hashtags "upcycling" or "DIY (Do-It-Yourself)" on websites dedicated to upcycling, e.g., Upcycle That, or private channels, e.g., Użyj.to (awesome apartment renovations in circular economy spirit) or Tvoriť a ľúbiť. Do you know how phenomenal a dress made from an old tablecloth can look? Check out the Story of a Table Cloth. You might be surprised how much inspiration you'll find.
At the same time, we need to acknowledge that in upcycling, it's easy to stumble upon overzealousness and create unnecessary things. The main reason for this may be a misunderstood principle of zero waste, which means avoiding waste production at all costs, but at the expense of their forced utilization. This approach can take the form of, for example, short-lived and aesthetically questionable lampshades made from plastic bottles, decorated with ribbons and glitter. We probably don't need to tell you that this not only leads to increased waste production but, worse still, results in waste that is no longer suitable for recovery (contaminated plastic). Therefore, to ensure that the adventure with upcycling is purposeful, the priority should be the principle of thoughtful design.
Iza from Winnica Majcz also points out a rarely recognized problem with demolitions. While we wouldn't question the extraction of materials from collapsed buildings, the red flag appears when it comes to places suitable for renovations. Why is this important? Through such actions, beautiful old buildings often disappear from the landscape, which instead of being rehabilitated, are replaced by blocky structures that fit the surrounding architecture like a fist to the face. Therefore, it's worth considering the source of supply to avoid inadvertently supporting such practices.
How to make it easier for guests to practice CE at your place? Here are some tips:
Don't be shy about upcycling items salvaged from the jaws of the garbage truck and giving them a second life (provided you've restored them to usability, meaning they're both functional and easy on the eyes). Fashion is on our side because second-hand items are now sexy, so flaunt your achievements on social media. If you have creative inclinations, you could even shoot a short video showing an upcycled makeover with before and after shots. Such transformations garner a lot of interest!
Explain to guests what this closed-loop system is all about. You can send them the first part of the article or use excerpts from it (tag Slowhop.com) in your social media.
Show visitors (upon arrival, during workshops, on your Insta) how you implement CE principles on a daily basis. Show them how you refurbished an old footstool, how you fight food waste, or how they can find your regional tile expert with skills worthy of Viennese palaces. Also, remind them how they can support your efforts during their stay and what they can do themselves when they return home.
Engage the online community. If, for example, you're collecting books to expand your library or you're happy to take in a used but still good children's cot, let people know on your social media profile. This way, many second-hand items may come your way, and observers will start thinking that clothing or furniture exchanges are not embarrassing but a completely normal matter of course. Here we also remind you of the principles of clear eco-communication.
If you have surplus produce, gather friends, neighbors, and even your guests, and organize a communal fruit picking event, following the example of Staw Otwarty. This way, the fruits won't go to waste, you'll do something nice for others, which may translate into bookings (because improving your image – definitely!).
Do you have excess furniture? In addition to online options, you can also donate it to a local community center or hospice. Locals will benefit, and the carbon footprint from transportation will be reduced.
Stick to the principle of responsible consumption, nicely summarized by the 6R acronym (we wrote about it in this article). This hierarchy of actions perfectly illustrates both priorities and the mechanism of the circular economy. Thanks to it, it will be easier for you to practice the circular economy at your property.
Encourage guests to conserve resources: water, electricity, or heating energy. But avoid evangelizing and clichés like "Save the planet!" Instead, provide clear instructions even readable for bonobos :) How? Best done right after arrival, but if that's not possible, a follow-up email will also be helpful. If you want to enhance the persuasive power of the message, add specific figures showing how much money and resources (e.g., electricity) you save thanks to these solutions – even if it's just an estimate.
Phot. 4. Sneak circular economy principles into the guest stay instructions.
CE Recommendations That Might Come in Handy
Feeling like you need more? For a more detailed understanding of the various relationships and possible processes in the circular economy, check out a Sankey diagram, which illustrates material flows for specific products. But fear not, we won't be serving you an accelerated course in environmental engineering. If you're eager to delve deeper into the topic, here are a few interesting resources:
For a straightforward approach: engaging animations that explain the basics of the circular economy model—here and here.
For the enthusiasts:
an expert presentation (by Mr. Paweł Głuszyński) on selected circular economy issues in Poland;
If you don't feel the need to earn a degree on this topic but are keen to try out some small-scale actions, check out the "Circular Economy" section in the EcoTips’n’Tricks spreadsheet (in Polish) for a database of places and initiatives that will facilitate your efforts in this direction.
And what about our other hosts? Come to the Slowhop Upcycling Gallery to see the magic they work with unwanted items.
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