Conceptualizing the Urban Circular Economy: Understanding the formal-Informal continuum in London, Ontario, Canada
Abstract
This research study delves into the contribution of formal and informal practices to the local urban circular economy in London, Ontario, Canada. The circular economy (CE) aims to foster a sustainable economy by closing resource, energy, and materials loops. While there is existing research on formal large-scale industrial activities within the CE, there still is a significant gap in understanding the role of informal CE activities in driving greater CE efforts. This study examined grassroots CE initiatives undertaken by local stakeholders and assesses their significance in promoting urban sustainability. A CE inventory captured a comprehensive overview, documenting 153 actors and events over seven months. This inventory facilitated visualizing formal, informal, and formal-informal continuum networks. The analysis revealed the prominence of the informal network, which, unfortunately, suffers from limited interconnections, thereby hindering its growth.
To address the limited growth plaguing informal CE, the need for more partnerships between formal and interconnected actors to foster the development of the informal CE is required. Key stakeholders, including city staff, business owners, members of local environmental non-profits, and residents, participated in semi-structured interviews (11 informants in total). Thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the interview data and construct a narrative of the urban CE in London, Ontario. Despite the diversity of formal and informal informants, most informants (n=7) identified a top-down power structure at play, attributing the most influence and power to the municipal government in driving environmental sector changes. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between formal and informal practices within the urban CE. It highlights the importance of informal initiatives in advancing urban sustainability. The findings emphasized the need for collaboration, partnerships, and attention between formal and informal actors to foster a thriving informal CE network.