In today’s rapidly evolving world, sustainability has moved from being a niche concern to a central pillar of how we live, work, and innovate. For those under 30, the circular economy isn’t just an abstract concept—it’s a guiding framework shaping values, career choices, and everyday decisions. At Lucent Bio, we are passionate about circular economy principles, particularly within the agricultural sector. But exactly what does the circular economy mean to the younger generation and how do these values resonate beyond agriculture?
Understanding the Circular Economy
At its core, the circular economy is a regenerative system that aims to eliminate waste and make the most of resources. Unlike the traditional linear economy, which follows a “take, make, dispose” model, the circular economy emphasizes designing out waste, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. This approach not only conserves resources but also fosters innovation and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
Why Circular Economy Matters to Those Under 30
For Millennials and Gen Z, sustainability is more than a trend—it’s a fundamental aspect of their identity and aspirations. Growing up in a world increasingly threatened by climate change, these generations learn to adopt curricular economy mindsets. Here’s why the circular economy resonates deeply with those under 30:
- Environmental Stewardship: Growing up amid increasing awareness of climate change and environmental degradation, younger generations prioritize practices that protect and preserve the planet.
- Ethical Consumption: Today’s youth are discerning consumers who favor brands and companies that demonstrate genuine commitment to sustainability.
- Innovative Mindset: Complex issues such as climate change and environmental degradation require out of the box thinking and creative solutions. The younger generations offer a new, innovative mindset that is already aware of the importance of integrating circular economy principles.
Insights from Our Team
We asked three Lucent Bio employees their perspective on circular economies. Here is what they had to say:
“As a student currently studying Environment and Sustainability at UBC, I find that younger generations are opening their eyes to the uncertainty of a sustainable future. I was inspired by Lucent Bio’s development of a working circular economy. To me, the circular economy is about creating a sustainable future where we no longer take more than we give. It aligns with my passion for adopting sustainable practices in both business and daily life, which is essential for creating a green future.
From my perspective, a circular economy means community. It means coming together as a society to collaborate and embrace the changes we need to make. It’s about pushing past traditional business models and innovating solutions that lead to a sustainable future where waste isn’t just garbage—it can be repurposed to close the loop. I find it inspiring to see how our work in the agriculture sector can contribute to a larger movement towards sustainability and the widespread adoption of the circular economy model.” – Isabelle Riedijk, Marketing Assistant.
“As someone under 30 originally from Ireland, now living in Canada, I see the circular economy as a critical approach to sustainability that aligns well with the values I grew up with. In Ireland, there’s a strong emphasis on community, resourcefulness, and making the most out of what we have—principles that naturally fit with the idea of reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling.
Now that I'm in Canada, I’ve noticed that there’s a growing awareness and implementation of circular economy practices here too, but there’s still a lot of potential to be tapped into. It’s exciting to see how both individuals and businesses are starting to rethink their processes to be more sustainable. I believe that my generation has a significant role to play in this transition, pushing for changes that ensure resources are used more efficiently and that products are designed with their entire lifecycle in mind. For me, the circular economy represents not just an economic shift but a cultural one as well, where we prioritize long-term value and environmental stewardship.” - Gary Stephens, Engineering Process Specialist.
"I like circular economies because they generate value on multiple fronts from resource optimization, supply chain stability, regional economic stimulation, and the generation of impactful sustainability.
I think the adoption of this business model has already had a widespread impact within the agricultural sector. It’s pushing companies to assess their own models, not just for environmental sustainability, but for their economic viability as well. Which is helping drive new and exciting innovations across industries such as ours.
Ultimately, A circular economy is about value generation. By taking what might be a low-value byproduct and enhancing it into a viable solution creates value for all stakeholders in the supply chain, carving a new path that improves margins for everyone involved, while tackling climate change. That’s sustainability that makes economic sense, which is what I believe is the only sustainable form of sustainability.” - Corbin Nicolson, Junior Business Analyst.
The Future is Circular
The circular economy is more than a concept; it's a movement led by the younger generations who see sustainability as essential to our future. Growing up in a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, Millennials and Gen Z bring a fresh, innovative approach to sustainability. They understand the urgency of adopting circular practices and are committed to reshaping both business and daily life to ensure a more sustainable world.
At Lucent Bio, we’re proud to be part of this journey, working alongside passionate young minds to integrate circular practices in agriculture and beyond. The future is circular, and with the energy and commitment of these generations, it’s a future we can all look forward to.