[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cd_isKtGaf8&rel=0]
The Ellen Macarthur Foundation has been taking a lead in championing the idea of a circular economy, one where products are designed to be reused and recycled at the end of their lives. One way to make this easier is for companies to retain ownership of the product, and we as ‘consumers’ would pay for access rather than pay for ownership. If we can get over the need to own things, we might find that leasing works better for us in all sorts of ways, as the video explains.
If it all sounds a little theoretical, check out some real life examples. Ricoh provides office photocopiers on this basis. Dutch company Desso provide carpets on a leasing basis, replacing and recycling tiles when they’re worn. This is going to be an increasingly common business model as we transition to a sustainable economy.
– source makewealthhistory.org