What if waste didn’t exist? What if everything we used had a second life, a purpose beyond the landfill? In this episode of the ESRAG Podcast, we interview Gert-Jan van Dommelen, a global leader in the circular economy movement and a passionate Rotarian working to reshape how we think about resources, waste, and sustainability.
Gert-Jan is a co-founder of the Circular Economy Club and a long-time advocate for systemic change in how communities and businesses design, produce, and consume goods. From the Netherlands to the global stage, he has worked with governments, entrepreneurs, and civic groups to advance regenerative models that close loops and open possibilities.
In this insightful conversation, Gert-Jan explains how the circular economy offers real, scalable solutions to the triple planetary crisis—climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss—by mimicking nature’s own regenerative systems. He breaks down complex ideas into actionable insights and offers inspiring stories from around the world where circular thinking is transforming lives and livelihoods.
Listeners will learn:
- The difference between recycling and true circularity.
- Why circular design is essential to decarbonizing the economy.
- How Rotary clubs can become incubators for circular economy innovation.
Gert-Jan’s message is clear: we don’t need to wait for perfect solutions or top-down mandates. Communities can lead the way by rethinking waste, fostering collaboration, and designing with purpose. As he says, “We need to shift from ownership to stewardship.”
The episode is both practical and visionary, offering tools and encouragement for Rotarians and everyday citizens ready to take their sustainability efforts to the next level.
Listen to the full episode here: ESRAG Podcast with Gert-Jan van Dommelen
