Saturday: Sharing Economy | Circular Economy Month | Waste Reduction Week in Canada

Saturday: Sharing Economy

Access over ownership and the sharing economy are important pillars that contribute to a circular economy. By shifting to access over ownership, the responsibility falls to manufacturers to make longer lasting and more efficient products that are designed with repair and reuse as primary considerations. Millions of Canadians engage in the sharing economy everyday - through ride sharing apps, libraries, rental services, online music/video streaming and more - often not realizing their contribution to the circular economy. 

An example of the sharing economy in action is York Region in Ontario. The region has recently implemented an online tool to improve citizens' circular economy education and their awareness of local share, reuse, and repair resources. Circular Innovation Council is proud to have developed the Share, Reuse, Repair Hub for York Region. Canadian municipalities may email info@ShareReuseRepairHub.ca to see how a similar tool can be developed for your region.

The online hub promotes the share, reuse, and repair economies. Reuse: A resource is a product, good, or item. Resources can be used again and again. Giving away used items and buying secondhand can keep resources active within the economy.  Repair: Repairing damaged resources keeps them out of the landfill and reduces demand for new goods. Share: Sharing resources reduces the importance of owning items and promotes public access instead.

Swap Share Repair Resources