The sharing economy and the circular economy: what’s the difference?
Stephanie Ferguson, The Idea Tree Consulting
January 28, 2016.

The sharing economy and the circular economy are two economic models we are increasingly hearing about, but what are they, and what is the difference? The circular economy and sharing economy are not synonyms, but they can be related.

The circular economy can be understood as the opposite to a linear economy. In a linear economy resources are extracted, manufactured into goods, distributed and sold, and when they reach the end of their useful lifespan, no longer work, or are no longer wanted, typically they turn into waste that goes to a landfill, or they are only partially recycled or downcycled. Continue reading →