Washington State is committed to safeguarding its environment by championing material reuse and recycling, and fostering innovative strategies that propel the state towards a robust circular economy. Recognizing the absence of a universal solution, the focus is on empowering diverse regions to develop unique and inventive methods for pollution reduction and sustainable growth.
Heather Bartlett, Ecology’s Deputy Director, emphasizes the critical need for forward-thinking leadership in this sector: “Taking a chance and trying new ideas, being willing to step up to difficult challenges – those qualities are always important for innovators. But today, we need that type of leadership like never before. We need it in recycling and waste reduction, specifically.”
This urgent need for innovation is precisely what fuels the NextCycle Washington program. NextCycle Washington actively supports local teams dedicated to recycling, reuse, and repair initiatives, providing them with the resources and guidance necessary to scale their projects and amplify their impact as pioneers in the circular economy.
The third cohort, comprising 16 dynamic teams, commenced their six-month mentorship journey at the Circular Business Accelerator Academy on January 23rd and 24th. This marked the beginning of an intensive program designed to cultivate the next generation of circular economy pioneers.
Creative Solutions from Circular Economy Pioneers
The ingenuity displayed by the teams is remarkable, ranging from groundbreaking methods to transform single-use diapers into valuable resources to revitalizing local textile waste streams through the integration of Indigenous heritage craft techniques. Bartlett aptly describes these teams as the “pioneers of this movement toward a circular economy,” highlighting their crucial role in shaping a sustainable future.
However, realizing this vision of a sustainable future hinges on another vital element: community engagement and collaboration.
NextCycle Washington, in collaboration with its partners, was intentionally designed using a co-design approach. This inclusive process actively encourages Washington residents to devise localized solutions for waste reduction, simultaneously breaking down barriers to accessing essential resources and fostering a sense of shared ownership in the circular economy transition.
Community at the Heart of Pioneer Circular Initiatives
The Circular Business Accelerator Academy serves as a vibrant hub for learning and collaboration. The academy program features presentations focused on refining project pitches and developing effective funding strategies. Crucially, participants benefit from insights shared by alumni teams from previous cohorts and engage in mentor-led discussions. Each team is strategically paired with a dedicated coach who provides personalized guidance over six months, assisting with problem-solving, partnership development, and network expansion.
Emily Power, the visionary founder of OceanMade, a company specializing in compostable plant pots derived from kelp, praises the practical mentorship approach:
“I really appreciate [my coach’s] proactive approach to creating structure for us, and her follow through is incredible. Most coaches just tell you a list of things you need to go do, but rarely do they get in the trenches to actually work on the action items with you,” she notes, emphasizing the hands-on support crucial for pioneer businesses.
Beyond the invaluable coaching partnerships, the Accelerator Academy also facilitated the first in-person meeting for the teams within the cohort. This peer-to-peer interaction has proven to be highly energizing and beneficial.
Farmer Muhammad Ayub, a co-owner of Dancing Goats and Singing Chickens Organic Farm, shared his enthusiasm, stating that he feels “totally energized” through interactions with fellow teams. He further highlighted the emerging collaborative spirit, noting that he and several other teams are actively exploring avenues for mutual support and resource sharing within this pioneering circular economy network.
Gavin Wuttken, founder of Around Again, a non-profit organization dedicated to repurposing furniture and building materials, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the value of shared knowledge and collective experience within the cohort:
“They all share an independent spirit and are convinced about the course they are on. It was infectious,” Wuttken remarked, underscoring the powerful synergy among these Pioneer Circular economy ventures.
The Future of Washington’s Pioneer Circular Economy
Looking ahead, the NextCycle Washington teams will continue to refine their pioneering projects, conduct in-depth research, and engage in focused one-on-one sessions with their coaches. This intensive phase culminates in a high-profile Pitch Showcase on May 19th. This event will provide a platform for these circular economy pioneers to present their innovative solutions to a diverse audience of business leaders, recycling experts, government officials, non-profit representatives, and potential investors. The Pitch Showcase is strategically timed to coincide with the Washington State Recycling Association Annual Conference in Airway Heights, maximizing visibility and networking opportunities.
Bartlett expresses her optimism and anticipation for the continued success of the NextCycle Washington teams throughout the program:
“When we grow businesses, when we improve the efficiency of our recycling system, when we reduce the use of natural resources, we build a better environment and a better economy,” she concludes, reinforcing the interconnected benefits of fostering a pioneer circular economy in Washington State.
Discover more about each of the NextCycle teams’ projects and witness the groundbreaking work of these circular economy pioneers firsthand.
