Evaluating circular economy strategies and practices in households: A self-assessment tool

Abstract

Household daily activities, such as food acquisition, housing, and mobility, are closely linked to sustainability impacts, including climate change, raw material use, quality of life, and waste production. Multiple studies have been conducted to understand circular economy assessment in products, private or public organizations, eco-industrial parks, and cities. However, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding the assessment of circular economy practices implemented at the household level, including current strategies, and indicators. Thus, the present work aims at developing a self-assessment tool to assess and report the implementation of circular economy-based strategies and practices at the household level, including the definition of related consumption activities and indicators. This study is supported by a two-stage methodology, based on a mixed-method approach, focusing collaboration with residents'/family representatives, through a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews. The main findings from the survey enabled the identification of householders’ consumption priorities, encompassing different circular economy related strategies and practices. This allowed a qualitative triangulation with an integrative literature review, resulting in a set of 38 household circular economy indicators that enable self-assessment and foster circular economy at the consumer level. Then, the developed tool was evaluated by a selection of interviewed stakeholders to gain insights into its usage, leading to the identification of several practical recommendations to enhance understandability and operability, including technicalities and language related issues. The developed self-assessment tool could encourage individuals and families to start considering voluntary CE evaluations and reporting, particularly as municipalities and other relevant stakeholders begin to recognize and request this information. This research contributes to the ongoing debate regarding the role of a circular household in the transition to sustainability, including its inherent assessment, and communication.