"Will 2026 Be A Breakout Year For The Circular Economy?" Article Reflection No. 164 (12/15/2025)

Article: “Will 2026 Be A Breakout Year For The Circular Economy?” 

Reflection: 

The Forbes article “Will 2026 Be A Breakout Year For The Circular Economy?” by journalist Jamie Hailstone questions whether 2026 will see progress towards what is called a “circular economy”---an economy where sustainability is maintained through (e.g.) product recycling. Of the market, 20% is part of the Global Commitment whose goals include minimizing the production of new plastic from fossil fuels. Along with the rise of repair cafes’ popularity, retail stores have increasingly integrated renewed items as part of the things that they sell, according to the article. Interviewee John Shegerian, the chief executive officer and chairman of ERI (an electronic waste recycling source) stated that the electronics that are “‘cast-aside’” will, in the future, become a key “‘[source] of sustainable supply.’” 

I think this is the first time I’m hearing about the term “circular economy.” In the previous article, I talked about the connection between the environment and the economy, and this article seems to further show how it is possible for sustainability and economic progress to be compatible. The article mentioned how AI can contribute to this circular economy, and I wonder how that works. AI is one of those things that are constantly evolving and changing. It's interesting how all these different sectors—regarding the environment, technology, and economy—are connected to one another and can benefit each other.