The Ellen MacArthur Foundation issues a pledge for the circular economy

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the inability of many nations, including the U.S., to have sufficient control over its supply of raw materials and manufacturing assets to ensure adequate supply of critical life and economy-sustaining products. This is forcing new public policy dialogues about planning and investments to assure more local supply chains to decrease beyond border dependencies, the latest of which is a pledge from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

As we build back our economies and prepare for any future crisis, the signatories to this letter believe there is no better opportunity than now to #Buildbackbetter. Signed by over 50 leaders in business, government, research and NGOs, including RIT's Golisano Institute for Sustainability, the statement sends a clear signal to policymakers that future economic stimulus policies and programs should be designed to accelerate the transition to the circular economy. The circular economy, an economic framework that prioritizes reuse and recycling by keeping products and end of life materials in use and circulation longer, offers a defense against raw material shortages and an opportunity to not only rebuild from this devastating crisis but also to rebuild in a way that delivers a healthier, cleaner, more resilient economy.