Our current economy is based on a take-make-waste model.

Raw materials are taken from the Earth, goods are manufactured, and then after use, they are discarded, usually ending up in a landfill.

In 2018, The Environmental Protection Agency estimated that 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste was produced. Again, most of that going to landfills.

As a way to combat the creation of some of this waste, some municipalities are looking to embrace a 'circular economy'.

That's a way to keep materials in use for as long as possible. Circulating through the economy more than one time.

Circular Cleveland is a new 30-month initiative aimed at developing and implementing circular economy strategies and programs across the city.

Today, we hear from folks that have already been involved in the circular economy and how they may be able to inform Circular Cleveland's progress.

One is an artist who recycles plastics into artwork, and the other is a compost company that's been growing steadily over the last decade.

Also on the program today, some reporting about the mess that is the automobile market right now.

Our Reporter Jenny Hamel looked at how a shortage of superconductor chips is causing prices on new and used cars to skyrocket.

Finally, we revisit one of our favorite author conversations of 2021. "Every Memory Deserves Respect" focuses on how therapy helped one man deal with trauma that had been buried for nearly 50 years.

Guests:
- Jenny Hamel, Education Reporter, Ideastream Public Media
- Ron Shelton, Artist and Circular Cleveland Ambassador
- Daniel Brown, Co-Founder, Rust Belt Riders
- Zoe Apisdorf, Director of Residential Services, Rust Belt Riders
- Michael Baldwin, Co-Author, Every Memory Deserves Respect
- Deborah L. Korn, Psy.D, Psychologist & Co-Author, Every Memory Deserves Respect

Reporting from The Land on the 'circular economy'