In recent years, there has been a growing realisation that the traditional linear economic model, characterised by a take-make-dispose approach, is not sustainable in the long run.
As resources become scarcer and environmental challenges more pressing, businesses are increasingly adopting circular economy principles to achieve sustainability.
The circular economy is a regenerative economic model that aims to separate economic growth from the consumption of finite resources. It is an alternative to the linear economy, which perpetuates a “throwaway culture.” In a circular economy, resources are kept in use for as long as possible through strategies such as recycling, reusing, and remanufacturing.
The concept of the circular economy is based on three core principles:
- Design out waste and pollution: Companies design products with a focus on durability, reparability, and recyclability. This reduces waste generation and ensures the longevity of resources.
- Keep products and materials in use: Instead of discarding products at the end of their life cycle, companies facilitate the reuse, refurbishment, and recycling of materials. This helps to extend the lifespan of products and reduce the environmental impact of resource extraction.
- Regenerate natural systems: The circular economy emphasises the restoration and preservation of natural resources. This means minimising energy consumption, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting the sustainable management of ecosystems.
Sustainability has become a critical consideration for businesses across industries for several reasons, including resource scarcity, cost reductions and perhaps the most important, environmental impact through helping to reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and combat climate change.
After witnessing the detrimental environmental impact and overwhelming accumulation of waste in the wholesale homewares industry for over a decade, Entrepreneur’s Organization Queensland member, Kevin Porter has become deeply passionate about sustainability and reducing landfill waste to promote a healthier and more conscious approach towards our planet.
His latest venture, Greg’s Office Furniture, is widely recognised as the leading provider of high-quality used office furniture in Brisbane. With a strong commitment to sustainability and the circular economy, the company offer an extensive range of pre-owned office furniture, helping businesses create functional and stylish workspaces while minimising their environmental impact.
Says Mr Porter, “We focus on finding new homes for pre-owned furniture items and prevent perfectly usable products from ending up in landfill. This enables customers to furnish their offices at a fraction of the cost of buying new furniture, whilst also reducing waste and minimising their environmental footprint.”
Indeed the recent wave of large office closures has left behind a staggering amount of unused office furniture. With social distancing protocols in place and companies embracing remote work, this surplus of furniture becomes a wasted resource. However, repurposing this furniture presents a solution that not only reduces waste but also addresses the need for setting up home offices and smaller workspaces. By repurposing these furniture pieces, companies can support employees in creating comfortable and productive work environments at home, easing the transition from remote work to a more communal workspace as the workforce gradually returns. This dual advantage of repurposing office furniture promotes sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and employee well-being.
The benefits of a sustainable approach extend beyond environmental considerations and include cost savings to businesses and individuals alike, as well as making a social impact, contributing to local communities and start-up businesses by providing affordable furniture options that can be used to create functional and aesthetically pleasing workspaces.
“All our furniture is in great condition and comes cleaned, refurbished and ready to go. This extends the lifespan of the furniture and minimises further waste generation,” continues Mr Porter.
“Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a responsibility we owe. As our industry evolves, embracing sustainability becomes not just a choice but an imperative. We take pride in being part of the solution, creating a circular economy that minimises waste and leaves a lasting impact on our industry.”
Kevin Porter is the Director of Greg’s Office Furniture
Entrepreneur’s Organization Queensland
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