Circular Consumption Practices as Matters of Care

• DOI: 10.1007/s10551-024-05888-5
• Publication Date: 2024-12-06T03:52:08Z
• Authors: Nina Mesiranta; Malla Mattila; Outi Koskinen; Elina Närvänen
• Keywords: Consumption; Circular Economy; Sustainable Consumption; Performativity

Abstract While a circular economy (CE) paradigm shift has gained significant momentum among academics, practitioners, and policymakers, theory regarding its social aspects remains scant, especially based on an ethical, micro-level perspective. Circular consumption, referring to those consumption practices that aim extend the lifetimes of objects materials, involves ethical considerations. However, everyday ethics have not foothold in CE literature. This article builds existing literature by drawing insights from posthuman feminist theorising care, shifting focus care humans complex relations between nonhumans conceptualising as matters care. conceptualisation, which follows thinking-with-theory approach, is empirical material constructed two research projects focusing frontrunner consumers terms Finland: food waste reduction clothing consumption. We identify introducing three distinct perspectives: tinkering, affective practices, ethico-political action. show approaching while always easy or straightforward, attempt make better: more attentive, inclusive, durable, enjoyable. Our findings emphasise interconnected nature constant performativity crucial stakeholders relations. Consequently, we offer alternative technocentric perspectives way promote sustainable world through