Circular Metabolism
Description
From the Postgrowth Cities Coalition:
"A metabolism is the flow of materials and energy through a particular system. These materials are extracted, transformed, used, and turned into waste that can be reused or disposed of. The system might be a city, region, country, or the whole planet, depending on the focus of analysis.
A circular metabolism is one that decreases the input of raw materials, increases the use of materials already within the system, and reduces the waste output. In a city, this means that fewer raw materials are used to produce the built environment and sustain urban consumption. It also means that the built environment lasts longer and is adaptable to changing needs, so as to reduce waste as much as possible. Finally, the waste that cities produce is reused to sustain urban transformation, new production, and essential consumption.
The term Circular Economy specifically refers to an economic system that thrives out of a circular metabolism. It is a model of economic production and consumption. A circular economy can be realized in different ways. Some may be compatible with degrowth because they foster justice and material reduction; others may be oriented toward profit and fuel economic growth."