The Future's Blueprint - Issue #5

A warm welcome to our newsletter if you are receiving it for the first time.  

This time, we have gathered some informative stories and insights into the realms of circular economy and innovation. We are delighted to have you with us on this journey and appreciate all the support you have shown us so far, as we tread along to another year. 

This month’s insight – Strategies for a circular economy  

Product Stewardship – The responsibility lays with us 

 As a concept, product Stewardship means that whoever designs, produces, sells, or uses a product takes responsibility for minimizing the product's environmental impact throughout all stages of the products' life cycle, including end of life management.  

Generally, manufacturers have the greatest ability, and therefore the greatest responsibility, to reduce the environmental impacts of their products.  

Some news and key takeaways on product stewardship initiatives.  

• In November in Australia, Minister’s 2022-2023 product stewardship priority list was released, with three additional products added to the list, namely tyres, mattresses and plastics in healthcare, in Australia.  
• Organizations such as the Global Product Stewardship Council and Product stewardship centre of excellence encourage and make dedicated effort to promote the adoption of product stewardship.  
• Several project initiatives funded through the National Product Stewardship Investment Fund is expected to activate stewardship initiatives across a range of products in Australia. 

  The 27th UN Climate Conference ended in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt 

 COP27, where 197 nations that convene to discuss measures and review progress made by members of the UNFCC to limit climate change, was held in Nov 2022. COP27 seeks renewed solidarity between countries, to deliver on the landmark Paris Agreement. 

What were the key takeaways of COP 27 and how is the success of summit being viewed?  

Here are some articles providing key insights, 

COP27: Key takeaways 

What did COP27 accomplish and what actions can we expect as a result?  

COP27 roundup: what went wrong and what happens next  

COP27 will be remembered as a failure – here’s what went wrong  

 Our campaign on alternative designs to rethink consumption continues…  

We released Article #7 in the series where we share 10 simple shifts that we can make in designing for regenerative consumption. 

Looking at Preowned Goods in a New Light  

“Retail and advertising industry techniques are also made to influence us into purchasing “unused” and “unopened” products by offering a perfect, clean look and an unboxing experience tailor-made to entice and excite us. With such a mindset setting the norm for how products are purchased, it has been difficult to change our lifestyles to appreciate preloved products.” 

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