Unrolled doughnuts for local action In the field of pastry, there are different

Most people who have not taken a specific interest in the commons have likely come into contact with them through public spaces in a city, urban gardening plots, and of course Wikipedia. Although most of us don’t necessarily realise that’s what they are and don’t spend much time considering what that implies. Breathable air is another form of commons we’ve grown more aware of with pollution and of course COVID and protecting that shared air by using masks.

Whether it’s an economic downturn, the pandemic, or mounting climate-related disasters, it’s becoming ever clearer that marginalized communities suffer a larger part of the impacts and need to be centered in any recovery discussions. In Vancouver over 2020, a number of projects and organizations did just that, aligning circular economy and inclusion.

Two things you’ve probably seen a number of times in the media: talking about “makers” only as it relates to new makerspaces and hobbyists; economic development that centres on big employers opening large offices or plants in town. But actually, makers come in all shapes, sizes, and kinds of products, and a multiplication of small scale manufacturing can be a much more reliable way of revitalizing downtowns, creating employment, and creating value that sticks around.