The Full Circle Initiative
The Full Circle Initiative is an Economy of Opportunity where social & fair-trade empowerment and development are created through intentional cooperation, and collective commitments to change by members. These commitments are aimed at enhancing existing member business practices, and supporting the creation of new socially aware enterprises which empower and create prosperity for disadvantaged individuals and communities actively participating in change.
At the heart of our philosophy lies the conviction that to enact consistent and lasting change, every person, practice, and organisation must adhere to The Four Commitments.
An Economy of Opportunity
The Full Circle Initiative’s economy of opportunity is a model that can be simply adopted by every member of the Full Circle Initiative. It is a practical method through which our collective social transformation objectives can be achieved, and is an imperative for positive social impact.
Imagine a waterfall, descending from a cliff and going all the way to the bottom. No river is said to be entered the same, but is that really true?
The water may flow all the way into the sea, but that is not its whole story. Its particles may form clouds, only to descend later on and take its previous form.
What we see as linear is actually circular; and just as nature flows in this manner, so too can our economy.
-
Most of our global system is focused on a relatively simple model of production and usage: a product is made for the consumer to consume and subsequently dispose of. This linear model, whilst effective as a means of maintaining a straightforward relationship between businesses, producers and consumers, is rife with many faults.
The possibility of shifting consumer demand as well as of market prices means there needs to always be a surplus of supply which is either used, or goes to waste. Similarly, most products are meant for the consumer to use and then dispose of, without considering whether those products can be reformed and repurposed.
Single-use product recycling has proven to not be an effective means of addressing waste and its environmental impacts. Carbon offsetting is often used as an excuse for wasteful and polluting practices, and does not directly or indirectly address or contribute to sustainability. Climate change, which now poses its greatest threat, adds an additional layer of complexity and concern to this already fragile ecosystem.
Circular economies are designed to address these problems, and simultaneously increase competitiveness and profitability. Businesses which take part in circular economies are generally compelled to greater cooperation and regulation around how much to produce, and of what can be achieved.
From farmers growing crops, to the drivers transporting produce, to the restaurants serving meals, the elimination of wasted goods and efforts is reduced when resources, tools, and decisions revolve in a circular manner.
Circular economies allows for greater use of resources, easing production and operational costs and risks, as well as allowing opportunities for consumers and producers to develop better practices. It ensures reduced wastage and optimal surplus management. This flow circles back between every member so that overall the economy increases, rolling like a snowball ever larger.
Within the Full Circle Initiative, the idea of The Opportunity Economy encourages businesses to broaden their scope, considering aspects such as DEI, sustainability, social impact and empowerment, and ethical governance.
The Four Commitments
The Full Circle Initiative comprises several accessible disciplines and practices, each integral to ensuring the success of conscious commitments to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion with Intention (DEI+); Measurable Social Impact; Environmental Sustainability; and Ethical Governance.
These commitments are underpinned by explicit disciplines, and businesses are encouraged to implement these commitments and disciplines as a way to not only improve their own operations, but also ensure the thriving of their employees, customers, and the environment.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion with Intention (DEI+)
Our commitment to Environmental Sustainability, means awareness, not only around our resource demands and reducing our impact on the environment, but also ensuring we align with the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). Our plan for achieving this commitment is based on the R4+C Model’s disciplines to environmental transformation and restoration (Reform, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle + Carbon Offset).
-
Demonstrate aptitude and ability of leadership to avoid tokenistic diversity appointments. Includes structures, measurable transition plans, and targets to demonstrate that leadership are proactive in diversity appointments.
Intentional inclusion in an environment which nurtures and supports individuals and celebrates Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Transparency into training for individuals to perform in designated or intended roles.
Mentoring, peer support and peer reviews to maintain the highest standard of business ethics and work quality. Create opportunities for growth and supporting local entrepreneurship. Implicit bias training.
Demonstrate aptitude and ability of leadership to avoid tokenistic diversity appointments.
Includes structures, measurable transition plans, and targets to demonstrate that leadership are proactive in diversity appointments.
Intentional inclusion in an environment which nurtures and supports individuals and celebrates Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Transparency into training for individuals to perform in designated or intended roles.
Mentoring, peer support and peer reviews to maintain the highest standard of business ethics and work quality .
Create opportunities for growth and supporting local entrepreneurship.
Implicit bias training
Measurable Social Impact
Demonstrable alignment, or committed targets to align with, at least one of The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Transparent reinvestment of % of annual profits to create opportunities to empower individuals and communities with measurable and lasting social change.
Our commitment to Environmental Sustainability, then, means awareness, not only around our resource demands and reducing our impact on the environment, but also ensuring we align with the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs). Our plan for achieving this commitment is based on the R4+C Model’s disciplines to environmental transformation and restoration (Reform, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle + Carbon Offset).
-
The R4+C Environmental Transformation and Restoration Model.
The R4+C model is a gradual process of changing legacy approaches and behaviours to consumption and production, from ideation to implementation, and assessment. Each carefully defined discipline, its definition, and its applicability have been outlined, along with the associated expectations and evaluation criteria.
As with the Full Circle Initiative, the R4+C disciplines are not intended to be exhaustive but rather part of a constantly evolving set of guidelines underpinned by the principles and values which unify our members. Depending on the nature of the business, not all the examples provided below will be applicable, therefore we urge businesses to adapt these principles to their unique operating models.
Discipline 1 - Reform
To reform means moving away from linear consumption to a circular flow of resources. Businesses are encouraged to consider how their models can be adapted to the Opportunity Economy, taking into account both profitability and greater impact.
Behavioural changes and developing new habits - awareness, conscious purchase, consumption and investment, relevant training and education
Reviewing the vendors that they use / suppliers, and the steps in the product life cycle to make there is an alignment with the FCI commitments.
Influence change at the vendor level, leadership level, staff and volunteers, community behaviour, developing new habits.
Encouraging the use of non-disposable products and the repair of existing tools and products.
Repair
Awareness and engagement
Staff-customer interaction
Process automation
Sector-Specific Examples:
Farms - Sustainable farming methods including water usage, traditional farming, promoting a return to organic produce,
Restaurants - This can mean restaurants looking at how they get their food and how they dispose of it, shifting to more localised suppliers as well as to more balanced menus in terms of nutrition, buyer and consumption consciousness.
Offices - paper and other utilities supplying, software and hardware suppliers, reorganising and reducing office space and usage, incentivising work-from-home, disposal, food provision and catering events, staff attire, awareness campaigns, provide workshops and other such events on awareness, engagement
Schools - provide classes and other such events on awareness and engagement, new subjects and curriculums at every level (primary, secondary, university), encourage volunteering, school space and usage, automating labour, share of resources,
Hospitals - provide workshops and other such events on awareness and engagement, waste, hospital space and usage, supply, reform around agenda, administration reform.
https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/standards
Expectation: Optimise business model, policies, marketing, transparency and training to gradually move towards a circular flow of resources by identifying available options, implementing these options, and ongoing review and independent assessment. Regular Review and voluntary independent assessment by the Full Circle Initiative.
Identify opportunities to support or create new small businesses from these changes.
Discipline 2 - Reuse
Many resources have the capacity to be reused internally by partner businesses or other businesses in order to reduce cost and logistics of acquiring new resources. This also decreases demand for products, most notably food, to be produced in excess, reducing potential waste. Water can be reused, food products, vegetables, used oil, wood, metal, building materials, electronic equipment, staff roles and skills, avoiding disposable products, packaging, resale, sharing.
There are plenty of opportunities for producers to reuse their resources. Farms could reuse their soil instead of buying more land, incentivising Reform and ensuring decreased environmental damage. Restaurants could reuse materials such as food containers and food products (oil), as well as equipment used in cooking by repairing rather than disposing and by ensuring optimal use of resources. Offices can also repair equipment, as well as reuse the space they have through adopting the discipline of Repurpose, preventing further need for expansion. Unused or excess furniture from offices and hospitals can be given to community centers or sold.
Expectation: Identify reusable products, materials, skills and other resources and work to integrate them into the business model,
Discipline 3 - Repurpose
Repurposing resources means assigning them different purposes, goals or values that would render them more useful, sustainable or less wasteful. Its new purpose would be different to what it was originally intended. This can mean repurposing soil and materials towards more effective and sustainable goals.
Office space can be repurposed for different events; whether a meeting room becomes a room for mental health counselling, or a cafeteria is used as a large events room. It can also be repurposed (in line with Reform) away from everyday use to specific periods in which a team needs the space to work and communicate face to face. This ensures electricity, food and other essentials are saved, while segments of parking space (as less people need to be in, so will there be fewer vehicles) can be repurposed into terraces or outdoor work areas, as well as being sold off for public use due to there no longer being a need for the company to use them.
Clothing can be repurposed into blankets, or used as bandages for hospitals and care centres. It can also be used for Recycle due to its fabrics.
Expectation: Identify and implement ways to repurpose resources and products.
Discipline 4 - Recycle
To further reduce waste of resources, we implement recycling. This allows any material that cannot be reused and repurposed directly to be recycled for production of other products or materials, or for distribution towards beneficiaries who may be able to use said material.
Recycling in farms and restaurants can function as a form of composting from food waste. Plastic can be recycled into containers and other kitchen utensils such as measuring cups and bottles. Instead of either repairing or disposing, equipment can be broken down into parts and then used for donation or construction. Furniture from offices can be broken down into wood and fabric, reducing the need for further deforestation and animal husbandry, while paper can be recycled to reduce its consumption.
Expectation: Implement recycling of materials and resources for use in production or distribution by beneficiaries who are members of the Full Circle Initiative.
Discipline 5 - Carbon offsetting
Businesses are encouraged to reduce carbon emissions by looking to greener alternatives as well as more ethical practices. Products and resources can be produced in a number of sustainable ways so as to reduce the negative impact it can have on the environment:
less use of polluting chemicals,
Reduction in meat production and consumption
Consciousness around the type of energy used in production
This change is expected to be gradual but constant, in accordance with the other disciplines that have been achieved beforehand.
Method for calculating
In order to carbon offset, businesses are encouraged to plant trees and plants, engage in land restoration and sustainable agricultural practices, to ensure any water resources are purified and restored after their usage (rivers, lakes), to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy as well as shift from funding polluting organizations. Travel policies also need informed decisions to reduce the carbon footprint, as well as the class of travel, hotels, restaurants and other facilities used during business travel.
Reducing deforestation, increasing reforestation, afforestation (turning land that was never a forest into forest) should also be considered, as well as investment into sustainable crypto currencies (SolarCoin, Powerledge, Cardano, Stella and NANO) and blockchain.
Expectation: Reduce carbon emissions through greener alternatives. The Four Disciplines should be exhausted with carbon offset as the final resolution.
It is not an excuse for bad behaviour or practices. - Needs to be emphasized and rephrased for public reading.
We should never give carbon offsetting as an alternative to the 4 Rs. One Two Tree is the preferred carbon offsetting initiative as its business model encompasses the values of the Full Circle Initiative and is aimed at creating employment and new entrepreneurship opportunities.
Environmental Sustainability
Our environment has a big impact on the values we learn and the actions we take. We are not only members of our communities but also part of the larger natural habitat, interacting with it each day. The stability and sustainability of one’s environment (made up of our community and our land) leads to the better development of oneself, to better lifestyles, diets, choices and social relations.
Psychosocial support and ensuring the wellbeing of individuals beyond the workplace.
Ongoing education, training, mentoring with a focus on nurturing new opportunities for social entrepreneurs within local communities
Creating multi-skill rotational roles/programs to expose staff to different opportunities within the organisation and ensure business continuity. Fail well.
Quarterly and Annual review, verification, and assessment to acquire and uphold The Full Circle accreditation.
-
The R4+C Environmental Transformation and Restoration Model
The R4+C model is a gradual process of changing legacy approaches and behaviours to consumption and production, from ideation to implementation, and assessment. Each carefully defined discipline, its definition, and its applicability have been outlined, along with the associated expectations and evaluation criteria.
As with the Full Circle Initiative, the R4+C disciplines are not intended to be exhaustive but rather part of a constantly evolving set of guidelines underpinned by the principles and values which unify our members. Depending on the nature of the business, not all the examples provided below will be applicable, therefore we urge businesses to adapt these principles to their unique operating models.
Discipline 1 - Reform
To reform means moving away from linear consumption to a circular flow of resources. Businesses are encouraged to consider how their models can be adapted to the Opportunity Economy, taking into account both profitability and greater impact.
Behavioural changes and developing new habits - awareness, conscious purchase, consumption and investment, relevant training and education
Reviewing the vendors that they use / suppliers, and the steps in the product life cycle to make there is an alignment with the FCI commitments.
Influence change at the vendor level, leadership level, staff and volunteers, community behaviour, developing new habits.
Encouraging the use of non-disposable products and the repair of existing tools and products.
Sector-Specific Examples:
Farms - Sustainable farming methods including water usage, traditional farming, promoting a return to organic produce,
Restaurants - This can mean restaurants looking at how they get their food and how they dispose of it, shifting to more localised suppliers as well as to more balanced menus in terms of nutrition, buyer and consumption consciousness.
Offices - paper and other utilities supplying, software and hardware suppliers, reorganising and reducing office space and usage, incentivising work-from-home, disposal, food provision and catering events, staff attire, awareness campaigns, provide workshops and other such events on awareness, engagement
Schools - provide classes and other such events on awareness and engagement, new subjects and curriculums at every level (primary, secondary, university), encourage volunteering, school space and usage, automating labour, share of resources,
Hospitals - provide workshops and other such events on awareness and engagement, waste, hospital space and usage, supply, reform around agenda, administration reform.
Expectation: Optimise business model, policies, marketing, transparency and training to gradually move towards a circular flow of resources by identifying available options, implementing these options, and ongoing review and independent assessment. Regular Review and voluntary independent assessment by the Full Circle Initiative.
Identify opportunities to support or create new small businesses from these changes.
Discipline 2 - Reuse
Many resources have the capacity to be reused internally by partner businesses or other businesses in order to reduce cost and logistics of acquiring new resources. This also decreases demand for products, most notably food, to be produced in excess, reducing potential waste. Water can be reused, food products, vegetables, used oil, wood, metal, building materials, electronic equipment, staff roles and skills, avoiding disposable products, packaging, resale, sharing.
There are plenty of opportunities for producers to reuse their resources. Farms could reuse their soil instead of buying more land, incentivising Reform and ensuring decreased environmental damage. Restaurants could reuse materials such as food containers and food products (oil), as well as equipment used in cooking by repairing rather than disposing and by ensuring optimal use of resources. Offices can also repair equipment, as well as reuse the space they have through adopting the discipline of Repurpose, preventing further need for expansion. Unused or excess furniture from offices and hospitals can be given to community centers or sold.
Expectation: Identify reusable products, materials, skills and other resources and work to integrate them into the business model,
Discipline 3 - Repurpose
Repurposing resources means assigning them different purposes, goals or values that would render them more useful, sustainable or less wasteful. Its new purpose would be different to what it was originally intended. This can mean repurposing soil and materials towards more effective and sustainable goals.
Office space can be repurposed for different events; whether a meeting room becomes a room for mental health counselling, or a cafeteria is used as a large events room. It can also be repurposed (in line with Reform) away from everyday use to specific periods in which a team needs the space to work and communicate face to face. This ensures electricity, food and other essentials are saved, while segments of parking space (as less people need to be in, so will there be fewer vehicles) can be repurposed into terraces or outdoor work areas, as well as being sold off for public use due to there no longer being a need for the company to use them.
Clothing can be repurposed into blankets, or used as bandages for hospitals and care centres. It can also be used for Recycle due to its fabrics.
Expectation: Identify and implement ways to repurpose resources and products.
Create guidelines, maybe infographics (100 ideas for R4+C-ing resources)
Discipline 4 - Recycle
To further reduce waste of resources, we implement recycling. This allows any material that cannot be reused and repurposed directly to be recycled for production of other products or materials, or for distribution towards beneficiaries who may be able to use said material.
Recycling in farms and restaurants can function as a form of composting from food waste. Plastic can be recycled into containers and other kitchen utensils such as measuring cups and bottles. Instead of either repairing or disposing, equipment can be broken down into parts and then used for donation or construction. Furniture from offices can be broken down into wood and fabric, reducing the need for further deforestation and animal husbandry, while paper can be recycled to reduce its consumption.
Expectation: Implement recycling of materials and resources for use in production or distribution by beneficiaries who are members of the Full Circle Initiative.
Discipline 5 - Carbon offsetting
Businesses are encouraged to reduce carbon emissions by looking to greener alternatives as well as more ethical practices. Products and resources can be produced in a number of sustainable ways so as to reduce the negative impact it can have on the environment:
less use of polluting chemicals,
Reduction in meat production and consumption
Consciousness around the type of energy used in production
This change is expected to be gradual but constant, in accordance with the other disciplines that have been achieved beforehand.
In order to carbon offset, businesses are encouraged to plant trees and plants, engage in land restoration and sustainable agricultural practices, to ensure any water resources are purified and restored after their usage (rivers, lakes), to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy as well as shift from funding polluting organizations. Travel policies also need informed decisions to reduce the carbon footprint, as well as the class of travel, hotels, restaurants and other facilities used during business travel.
Reducing deforestation, increasing reforestation, afforestation (turning land that was never a forest into forest) should also be considered, as well as investment into sustainable crypto currencies (SolarCoin, Powerledge, Cardano, Stella and NANO) and blockchain.
Expectation: Reduce carbon emissions through greener alternatives. The Four Disciplines should be exhausted with carbon offset as the final resolution.
It is not an excuse for bad behaviour or practices. - Needs to be emphasized and rephrased for public reading.
We should never give carbon offsetting as an alternative to the 4 Rs. One Two Tree is the preferred carbon offsetting initiative as its business model encompasses the values of the Full Circle Initiative and is aimed at creating employment and new entrepreneurship opportunities.
Ethical Governance
Governance based on a foundation of sound business ethics, as defined in the FCI charter and in compliance with local and international laws and regulations.
Open & honest communication, and fair policy & practice to create opportunities without prejudice.
Fair Value Pricing for vendors and customers with the highest quality in standards.
Financial transparency and reporting with 100% cashless operations for charities.
Tangible stakeholder engagement and contribution towards growth, action plans, and targets.
-
Demonstrable alignment, or committed targets to align with, at least one of The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Transparent reinvestment of % of annual profits to create opportunities to empower individuals and communities with measurable and lasting social change.
Psychosocial support and ensuring the wellbeing of individuals beyond the workplace.
Ongoing education, training, mentoring with a focus on nurturing new opportunities for social entrepreneurs within local communities [Define what it looks like]
Creating multi-skill rotational programs to expose staff to different opportunities within the organisation and ensure business continuity. [Define what it looks like]
Quarterly and Annual review, verification, and assessment to acquire and uphold The Full Circle accreditation. [Write and expand on those]
Membership Impacts
-
The Full Circle Initiative is a coming together of minds which requires collective commitment - no individual business can achieve the commitments on its own.
This ecosystem of transformation allows members to leverage the networks and relationships built within The Full Circle Initiative community, and to work together to implement innovative solutions to address social challenges. Members are encouraged to contribute to collective transformation efforts through participative engagement and collaboration.
-
Members impact not only themselves, but also on other partners. Everyone who is involved is transforming local communities and thus becomes a catalyst for changing society on a small but important level.
By joining and working together, businesses are sending a message to wider society that they are committed to change on a social and environmental level.
As a result, The Full Circle Initiative creates a responsibility that is shared by every member. The Four Commitments, which every business agrees to upon joining, can only be achieved through collaboration, open communication, and transparency.
It is these values, among others, that businesses are ultimately declaring to the public The Full Circle Initiative.
-
The Full Circle Initiative is creating a new economy, one that is based around the value of collaboration, thereby generating innovative opportunities to give the most disadvantaged more equal representation, and a more realistic chance at prosperity, both for themselves and for society.
What the economy of opportunity demands is a clear understanding and accountability at every step in the supply chain and product lifecycle. This awareness becomes the impetus for new empowerment opportunities to be derived from challenges encountered within the day-to-day business operations of members themselves, and by other members.
The result is that impact from innovation feeds back into underprivileged communities and increases profitability.