007 - Circularity Can't Be An Afterthought

In this episode of But Why? A Design Podcast, Eugene and Stirling are joined by Huia Adkins, Chair of the Steering Committee at Circular Economy Western Australia (CEWA) and Executive Advisor of Sustainability at GHD.Huia shares her journey from environmental protection and waste management into circular economy thinking, describing the moment she encountered circularity as a complete shift in perspective, from managing outputs to redesigning entire systems.Our conversation challenges the idea of circularity sitting as a last-minute bolt-on at the end of a project. We explore how circularity must be embedded from the outset, shaping design decisions, procurement models and stakeholder collaboration.We hope this episode presents as both pragmatic and optimistic. It acknowledges structural, policy and industry gaps, while also highlighting the growing capability and knowledge required to develop a more circular future.The conversation explores:* The limitations of linear systems and why they often need to be rethought entirely.* The role of procurement and RFP processes in either enabling or restricting innovation.* Circularity as a system-wide economic model, not just a materials or waste issue.* The rise of concepts like right to repair and extended producer responsibility.* The challenge of circularity becoming a buzzword without clear understanding or application.We hope you enjoy.Keep questioning, keep exploring, and most importantly… keep asking, But Why?Keen to Support Us?But Why? A Design Podcast is proudly an independent self-funded publication. By subscribing, you signify our content is valuable and it gives us reason to keep creating.If you are feeling generous, you can make a pledge, but if you would rather just buy us a coffee, we would love that too! Shout us a coffee through the below link:Show LinksCEWAGHDKwinana Industrial CouncilWorld Economic ForumProduced by us.Music by Jessica Hooks. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.butwhyadesignpodcast.com