Circularity starts with design, not with waste |
|
|
|
|
 |
| 189 sec |
Second episode of the Natuurlijk! podcast explores how natural cycles can inspire a circular economy
When people hear the word circularity, they often think of recycling: separating waste, reusing materials and recovering raw materials. According to Esther Wierda-Kruiper, sustainability and circularity manager at Donker Groep, that is only part of the story. In the second episode of the 'Natuurlijk!' podcast, she argues for a broader view of circularity inspired by nature. While people still struggle with waste streams, nature does not really recognise the concept of waste.
| A still from the Donker Groep podcast 'Natuurlijk!', episode 2 on circularity |
'Nature is our source of inspiration,' says Wierda-Kruiper. 'Look at a tree. It takes up nutrients, grows, produces leaves and then sheds them. Those leaves decompose and become nutrients again. That is essentially the perfect cycle.'
According to her, this offers an important lesson for businesses. Many organisations focus on technical materials such as plastics, steel or concrete when discussing circularity. The emphasis is often on recycling. But, she says, recycling is not the same as circularity. 'Recycling often only extends the life of a raw material. After one cycle it frequently still ends up as waste, which means the material loses its value. We call that downcycling. Eventually that cycle comes to an end. True circularity is about closing loops so that raw materials can be used again and again.'
|
|
While people still struggle with waste streams, nature does not really recognise the concept of waste
| |
|
Living systems
According to Wierda-Kruiper, the green sector has long been looking at a different type of cycle: the biological cycle. This is not only about materials, but about complete living systems. 'For me, circularity is not just about materials. It is also about soil, water, plants and growing media. Ultimately, these are all living systems in which natural cycles play an essential role.'
This can be seen in everyday green management. Leaves can remain as mulch, prunings can be used to create habitat piles, and green waste is composted where appropriate. The compost is then used as a raw material for new growing media and soil improvement products. 'We make new substrate products from compost. We then return these to the soil so that trees and plants can grow again. In this way, the natural cycle is maintained.'
According to her, circularity is not only about keeping raw materials in circulation. It is equally important to keep the system itself healthy. 'It is also about healthy ecosystems. Not just about the cycle itself, but about maintaining the living system as a whole.'
|
|
The green sector has long focused on a different type of cycle: the biological cycle. This is not only about materials, but about complete living systems
| |
|
Eighty percent is decided in the design
According to Wierda-Kruiper, nature offers another important lesson: circularity begins much earlier than many people think—not with waste, but with design. 'Eighty percent of circularity is actually determined during the design stage.'
A circular approach therefore starts with a simple question: is something new really necessary? Many projects still begin by removing everything and starting again. Yet existing trees, shrubs or materials often still have considerable value. 'We first look at what is already there. Can the trees remain? Can the materials be given a second life? Only then do we consider new solutions.'
This applies to greenery as well as paving and street furniture. Materials released during projects are reused wherever possible. Designers are also increasingly working with modular components that can easily be dismantled and reused later.
|
|
Recycling is not the same as circularity: recycling only extends the life of a raw material, whereas circularity keeps materials in continuous use
| |
|
Looking at the whole system
According to Wierda-Kruiper, nature offers another valuable lesson. While businesses often think in terms of ownership, profit and purchase costs, natural systems are based on making the best possible use of what is available. 'Nature does not think in terms of ownership. Everything ultimately has a purpose. Nothing is left as waste.'
In her view, companies still focus too much on today's price and too little on the long-term consequences. 'We pay far too little attention to ecological impact and costs over the entire life cycle. Those societal costs should play a much bigger role in the business case. The value of a tree is so much greater when it remains alive.'
According to Wierda-Kruiper, this also requires a different way of working together. Just as in an ecosystem, no single organisation can create a fully circular system on its own. 'That is another lesson we can learn from nature. An ecosystem is made up of a network of organisms, all playing their own role. Our economy actually works in much the same way.'
|
|
'In nature, no effort or resource is spared to make use of everything that exists'
| |
|
Nature as a teacher
The podcast shows that circularity is much broader than waste separation or recycling. Nature provides an example of a system in which raw materials continue to circulate and the health of the whole system comes first. 'In nature, no effort or resource is spared to make use of everything that exists,' Wierda-Kruiper concludes. Everything of value is used. Nature does not ask what something costs, but what it contributes. The most efficient systems survive. 'As humans, we still have a great deal to learn from that.'
For Wierda-Kruiper, this is perhaps the most important message of circularity: do not look at individual materials or products in isolation, but at the functioning of the entire system. Keep the loop as small as possible, but as large as necessary. Soil, water, vegetation, management and materials are all part of the same cycle. According to her, that is precisely where nature can serve as a model for a circular economy.
This article was previously published on 15 July 2026 on the website of Stad + Groen.
| LOG IN
with your email address to respond.
|
|
|
| There are no comments yet. |
|
| |
Anyone can place small ads for free through their own account.
Place a free ad
|
|
|
|
