> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://4revs.gitbook.io/handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://4revs.gitbook.io/handbook/chapters/circular-cities/where-do-i-start.md). # Where do I start? ## Personal reflection A long time ago, I heard something that triggered a deep, practical understanding of sustainability. I don't remember who told me that, but it was something like, “Always start from you, then try to work with your family, then move and try working in your neighborhood. Once you understand how to work with your neighborhood, you can move and work in whatever context you like.” The word "economy" has its origins in ancient Greece. It is derived from the Greek word "oikonomia" (οἰκονομία), which combines "oikos" (οἶκος), meaning "house," and "nomos" (νόμος), meaning "law" or "management." Therefore, "economy" originally referred to managing or administrating a household or estate. Over time, the term "economy" evolved to encompass broader concepts related to managing resources, wealth, and financial matters within a society or a nation. Reflect on these concentric circles of action, starting from yourself and moving outward. At what levels are you currently engaged with? How can you work at multiple levels and integrate domains to realize a new dimensions and potentialities within your circular city? ## Practical actions You probably work for a company. And that company, or at least you, are trying to work for a more sustainable future. Your hands are tight sometimes, as you are not necessarily the person who can decide the company's fate. This chapter was dedicated to circular cities, but many people don't know how to start with a sustainable or circular lifestyle. Let’s take the first step of the ladder together: ### i. Start by trying to become circular yourself by following the R ladder. Could you follow the R ladder as a personal guide to manage the use and consumption of products in your own house?

Image: R ladder. Extracted from “What Design Can Do. No Waste Challenge. Global Brief. 2020”.

### ii. Measure yourself. Have you already measured your CO2 footprint? Or your hydric footprint? Measuring your ecological footprint provides awareness, drives informed decision-making, and empowers you to set goals for reducing your environmental impact. Currently, there are numerous ways in which you can calculate your [ecological footprint](https://www.footprintcalculator.org/home/en). ### iii. Practical, first hand experience! Is your city a model for circularity? If not, where is the nearest city that is taking exemplary efforts that you can learn from? Plan a day trip or weekend trip to go and visit this location and learn as much as you can about making circularity happen. Maybe you can visit with the local Sustainability or Climate bureau; visit circular or zero waste businesses; discuss with business owners their strategies and how they participate in the local, circular, ecosystem. What ideas can you take home and implement in your community and/or company? Dare to design a Hackathon on Circular Cities! Participating in or organizing a Circular City Hackathon can change your thoughts on the city’s challenges. Generally speaking, Hackathons foster problem-solving, creativity, and innovation. They provide a platform for participants to brainstorm, experiment, and develop new ideas and solutions for complex urban challenges related to sustainability, circularity, and resource management. Moreover, they bring together diverse talents and expertise, including engineers, designers, urban planners, policymakers, and entrepreneurs. This cross-disciplinary collaboration encourages holistic and comprehensive solutions considering various aspects of city life. These events can inspire and motivate participants and the wider community to take active roles in creating more sustainable and circular cities. The sense of accomplishment and contribution to a greater cause can be highly motivating. Do you want to organize a Circular City Hackathon in your company? ### iv. Reading is fundamental. Read the[ ](https://www.no-burn.org/resources/zero-waste-city-manual-a-toolkit-to-establish-city-and-community-zero-waste-systems/)UNEP´s “[Towards Green and Just Cities](https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/37438/GEOcitiesES.pdf)” report and the [Circularity Gap Report](https://www.circle-economy.com/resources/circularity-gap-report-2022). \ \ \