Over time, cities have evolved to support an ever-growing appetite for new products through fast retail cycles, disposable goods and the relentless demand for novelty. This unsustainable pattern strains urban ecosystems and drives environmental degradation far beyond cities’ boundaries. However, by adopting a more circular model of consumption, where we use fewer resources more efficiently and minimise waste, cities can lead the way in ensuring that consumption stays within the planet’s ecological limits. 

This guidance document serves as a call to action for local governments to embrace their role as catalysts for change. It provides cities with practical tools to drive the circular economy transition at the local level and directly harvest its benefits, which extend far beyond waste management. By addressing the root cause of environmental degradation, the overconsumption of natural resources, cities can drive systemic change. Circular economy principles, such as reducing, reusing and extending product lifecycles, can empower cities to reshape how resources are consumed by individuals and businesses. Through these approaches, cities can prevent the consequences of overconsumption rather than managing them, contributing to the wellbeing of people and the planet, and the prosperity of future generations.

This document looks at circular consumption principles and approaches, redefining urban space to facilitate circular consumption, challenges in the transition to circular consumption, and the role of cities in promoting circular consumption.

See Circular City Centre - C3.