Don't miss the first Circular Austin Showcase

By: Bailey Grimmett

Austin Resource Recovery is hosting its first Circular Austin Showcase on Wednesday, July 28, 6–7 p.m. The virtual event is a chance for local businesses to pitch their zero waste business ideas to a group of investors and judges. By giving these businesses a (virtual) stage, we’re helping Austin reduce waste and stay on track to reach its zero waste goal by 2040. But you may be asking, "how?"...

Each business coming to the Circular Austin Showcase is what’s known as a ‘circular business.’ Hence, the name of the event. A circular business is one that designs out or reduces waste. At the end of the day, they keep valuable resources out of the landfill and support a zero waste city. Here are a few examples of how a business can be circular:

• A company that uses recycled or reused materials within their business is circular because this practice of using secondhand materials removes the need for new, raw materials.
• A business that creates durable products is circular because their products are meant to last and can be used for years without the fear of it wearing down prematurely. This is known as product life extension.
• A repair shop is circular because its services keep things working after they break.
• A rental company is circular because it gives people access to a product or service they need without making a one-time purchase.

If you want to know more about what a circular business is, take a look at our previous blog or check out the circular interactive map of local Austin businesses with information on how they’re practicing circularity.

Austin is home to many circular businesses, and that number is expected to grow over the years. Hear from ten local circular businesses that are leading that effort today, and join us at the Circular Austin Showcase on July 28. The Circular Austin Showcase is a free, virtual event. Register to attend or learn more. We hope to see you there!