Circular economy – Recycling old wood to reduce waste

A leading trend in the 21st century is the circular economy, which is not merely concerned with finance but more about ensuring we live in a sustainable world. A key aspect in the circular economy is recycling materials that were originally destined for the scrap heap and giving them a second life, ensuring that they continue to circulate within the manufacturing cycle.

The rise of the circular economy concept has helped facilitate the growth of businesses such as Taoyuan-based Shoeiyan Workshop (水顏木房), which uses pieces of seemingly useless wood that still bear scars accrued over time to produce eco-friendly and uniquely designed furniture. In today’s 21st century throwaway society, the concepts of environmental protection and circular economy are of paramount importance if humanity wishes to reverse a destructive trend. This being the case, looking for ways to secure a sustainable future, eliminate the wastage of natural resources, or better still, recycle and revamp materials to give them a new lease of life, are commendable undertakings deserving of our respect and study.

以下為中文對照

循環經濟是 21 世紀重要趨勢，不只關乎經濟，更作為環保的永續條件。循環經濟其中一項關鍵，在於將原本視為廢棄物的材料透過回收再生，作為二次物料，並且不斷在工業製造中重複使用。

同樣因為循環經濟理念抬頭，桃園有一家家具木工房，利用舊木本身留下的歲月刻痕來進行家具創作，一塊塊看似無用的廢棄木材，重現職人手作的美感，不但環保也擁有獨特的設計。在這個環保與循環經濟並行的時代下，該如何把資源做到不浪費，甚至能夠創造出他的第二生命，這個精神值得我們去學習。