{"id":1174,"date":"2026-06-17T14:39:39","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T14:39:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/businesssinglesmeet.com\/?p=1174"},"modified":"2026-06-23T16:13:30","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T16:13:30","slug":"future-proofing-the-circular-economy-starts-with-people","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/businesssinglesmeet.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/17\/future-proofing-the-circular-economy-starts-with-people\/","title":{"rendered":"Future-proofing the circular economy starts with people"},"content":{"rendered":"
\u00a0<\/div>\n

\"Circular<\/h4>\n

Charlotte Davies, Senior Consultant \u2013 Resource Efficiency & Circularity at Beyondly, explains why future-proofing the circular economy doesn\u2019t start with emerging technologies or system reform, but people.<\/h4>\n

When we talk about the future of the circular economy, conversations often focus on policy, infrastructure and investment. We discuss systems like Extended Producer Responsibility, deposit return schemes, digital product passports, and emerging recovery technologies.<\/p>\n

I have no doubt these systems will play a vital role in shaping the future of our sector. But there is another challenge that receives far less attention: who will deliver this transition?<\/p>\n

Like many people working in waste and resources, I did not grow up dreaming of a career in the sector<\/a>. I wanted to work in an environmental role and make a positive impact, but being less proactive than most, I found my way into the sector through a friend\u2019s recommendation.<\/p>\n

In contrast, my brother actively searched for opportunities within the environmental sector, focusing on \u2018energy\u2019 and \u2018renewables\u2019 and now works in energy procurement.<\/p>\n

I think our experiences reflect a far wider trend among many young professionals. People increasingly want careers in sustainability, where they can make a difference, but waste and resources are rarely the first sector that comes to mind, and as with me, people fall into it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

That presents both a challenge and an opportunity.<\/p>\n

Purpose and impact matter more than ever<\/h2>\n
\"Charlotte_D\"
Charlotte Davies was appointed as CIWM\u2019s first Early Careers President.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The good news is that the waste and resources sector offers exactly what many young professionals are looking for: the chance to create meaningful impact.<\/p>\n

Across all industries, early career professionals are increasingly motivated by purpose. Salary and progression remain important, but many people also want to know that their work contributes to solving real-world challenges.<\/p>\n

Environmental issues and climate change are high on the agenda for younger generations entering the workforce. Few sectors offer such a direct connection between daily work and positive environmental outcomes.<\/p>\n

From improving local resource efficiency and recycling processes to supporting circular business models and AI-driven recovery systems, the work has a tangible, visible impact.<\/p>\n

Every tonne diverted from landfill, item reused, repair scheme introduced, and circular model implemented contributes to a more sustainable future. For a generation increasingly seeking purpose in their careers, that is a compelling proposition.<\/p>\n

Another shift that cannot be ignored is the growing importance of organisational purpose. Increasingly, people want to work for organisations that stand for something beyond profit alone. A recent Deloitte study<\/a> found that:<\/p>\n