Circularity

Material circularity refers to a system where nothing is truly wasted. Instead, materials used to produce consumable products are reused or recycled into new products. Circularity avoids the need to extract, process, and manufacture new raw materials, which is by far the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the life cycles of most products. Woodside residents can contribute to the circular economy through simple purchasing and waste disposal decisions.

Embracing Material Circularity in Woodside

By integrating the following practices into our daily lives, we, the residents of Woodside, can play a crucial role in enhancing our town's contributions to the circular economy. These practices apply to both everyday practices and construction projects.

• Purchasing

  • Purchase products manufactured with recycled content: When shopping, look for products labeled as “manufactured with recycled content” or with sustainability certifications like Forest Stewardship Council and Cradle to Cradle. When shopping on Amazon, look for the “Climate Pledge Friendly” label. Common materials manufactured with recycled content include paper products, printer toner cartridges, electronics, some textiles, furniture, carpet, and steel used in building construction.
  • Ensure minimized and recyclable packaging when ordering online: Order from stores and sites that you’re confident use sustainable packaging options, such as optimizing recyclable packaging options (i.e. cardboard instead of plastic), using packaging manufactured with recycled content, shipping products together in the same box, using manufacturers’ original packaging (sometimes called “ship in own container”). For instance, when ordering on Amazon, look for the “frustration free packaging” label and select “Amazon delivery day” during checkout.
  • Purchase reused, repaired, and refurbished products whenever possible: Consider secondhand products from outlets like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or thrift stores.
  • Repair products and appliances instead of buying new: Look at the manufacturer’s website to see if repair programs are offered for your product. Otherwise, consider repairing or refurbishing your product yourself or using a third party.

• Waste Disposal

  • Recycle all possible products: Refer to Greenwaste’s list of what goes in the blue (recycling) bin.
  • Identify ways to recycle “hard to recycle” products: Products like carpet, furniture, and other building materials can often be recycled, even though they are not accepted by your local waste hauler. Look at the manufacturer’s website to see if recycling or “take back” programs are offered for their products at the end of their useful life. Greenwaste also offers carpet recycling at its San Jose facility.
  • Donate or resell products instead of sending them to the landfill: Consider donating or reselling to neighbors, local non-profits if your product is still usable.

• Education and Advocacy

  • Educate yourself on the benefits of circularity: Understand and share the important role that the circular economy plays in global climate change mitigation. More information is available through the Ellen Macarther Foundation.
  • Advocate for circular economy principles: Share what you learn with others and advocate for local, state, and federal programs and policies that will help move these principles forward.
  • Engage in Woodside’s Environment & Open Space or Climate & Sustainability Committees: Volunteer committee descriptions