Members of the recent Circular Economy Institute (CEI) roundtable were asked an important question: how does the language we use help or hinder our efforts to be more circular with resources and waste?
At this year’s Festival of Circular Economy, we brought together voices from across industry, policy and sustainability for a powerful CEI roundtable exploring whether the language we use helps or hinders our efforts to be more circular with resources and waste?
Led by circulairty expert Mark Shayler, and sponsored by VEV, the roundtable tackled several fundamental questions: are we making the circular economy sound too complex, too niche, or even too elitist – when we should be selling the benefits, the emotion, the ‘sizzle’?
- Why does ‘vintage’ sound appealing but ‘secondhand’ doesn’t?
- Do people understand circularity – or are we just talking to ourselves?
- Can we better connect policy, people, and purpose through different language?
From engaging Gen X and fast fashion to influencing policymakers, the roundtable of experts unpacked what really resonates – emotionally, economically, and practically.
One key takeaway? We need to speak in outcomes, not abstractions. Jobs, community, savings, and pride.
You can also read a write-up of the roundtable, featuring exclusive insights, on Circular Online here.
