Playing for keeps: Is designing emotional durability the key to a circular economy?

Our home designs are an identifying aspect of our nation’s culture. Wood panelling, bay windows, and stone bricks are instantly recognisable as a product of British construction when compared to other homes around the world. As we progress through the years, it’s inspiring to see how our homes have also changed with the times – both inside and out. From Tudor panelling to double-glazed windows, home designs throughout history have played a bigger role in our lives and culture than you may think. So, how have we got here? How have housebuilders and homemakers through the years shaped the development of what we call home?

On my desk is a package of supposedly biodegradable plastic bags. A helpful person gave it to me with the hope I would promote degradable plastic bags as a solution for both types of residential food scrap recycling programs implemented this month in most of Ventura County.  Others have suggested degradable plastic as a solution for diverting from landfills the “to-go” food service items no longer reliably recycled from curbside recycling carts.