To live in a truly sustainable society, we need to separate economic growth and human well-being from resource depletion and environmental degradation. This means replacing the linear "produce, consume, discard'' economic model with a circular model.

The transition to a circular economy endorses business models and economic behaviour patterns which maintain the value and utility of products, components, materials and nutrients for as long as possible in order to close material loops and minimise the use of harmful resources and the generation of waste.

ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability believes that while cities are the largest consumers of energy and materials, they also offer an opportunity to manage resources better and more efficiently.

For news and opportunities related to the circular economy, please subscribe to the newsletter of the European Circular Cities Declaration. If you are interested in circular economy activities outside Europe, take a look at the work of the ICLEI World Secretariat.

Check out our Factsheet below to read more!

Circular Economy Factsheet Overview of Activities