What is a circular economy?
A circular economy is an economic system that aims to eliminate waste and the continual use of resources. It is based on three principles: reduce, reuse, and recycle. A circular economy seeks to create value by extending product lifespans and regenerating natural systems.
Governor Jared Polis believes that Colorado can be a leader in the circular economy, and he visited the Western Slope on Tuesday to talk about the benefits of this approach for the environment and the economy.
Polis meets with local entrepreneurs and innovators
The governor’s first stop was at the Grand Junction Regional Airport, where he met with local entrepreneurs and innovators who are working on circular economy projects. One of them is the Colorado Circular Economy Development Center, a partnership between the Business Incubator Center and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.
The center provides training, mentoring, and funding for businesses that want to adopt circular economy practices, such as reducing waste, using renewable energy, and creating new products from recycled materials.
Polis praised the center for its efforts to support sustainable business and create jobs in the region. He said that the circular economy is not only good for the planet, but also for the bottom line.
Polis announces new initiatives and grants
The governor also announced some new initiatives and grants that will help advance the circular economy in Colorado. He said that his administration will launch a statewide circular economy roadmap, which will outline the vision, goals, and strategies for transitioning to a more circular economy.
He also said that the state will award $1.5 million in grants to 12 projects that will demonstrate circular economy solutions in various sectors, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Some of the grant recipients are located in the Western Slope, such as the Mesa County Landfill, which will use the funds to expand its composting program.
Polis said that these initiatives and grants will help Colorado achieve its climate goals and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
Polis addresses other issues affecting the Western Slope
In addition to the circular economy, Polis also addressed other issues that affect the Western Slope, such as housing, wildfire insurance, and passenger rail.
He said that his top priority is to make housing more affordable and accessible for all Coloradans, and he proposed several policies to achieve that, such as easing local parking requirements, ending occupancy limits, and making accessory dwelling units easier to build.
He also said that he supports legislation that will reduce the cost of fire insurance, especially in the face of increasing climate-related disasters like the Marshall Fire.
He also expressed his enthusiasm for the Front Range Passenger Rail project, which will connect Denver to Pueblo and Fort Collins, and said that he hopes to extend it to the Western Slope in the future.
