I was starting my holiday on the ferry to France, I captured a moment that resonated with the principles of the circular economy and sustainable practices: a boat hauling a wind turbine next to a hovercraft. Watching these forces of technology, each harnessing natural resources for power and mobility, it struck me how today’s eco-friendly solutions often mirror the circular practices we grew up with in the ‘70s and ‘80s. From reusable milk bottles and paper bags to neighborhood composting and rural public transport systems, many everyday choices back then were inadvertently sustainable.
Let’s take a look at some of these everyday practices from the past. The simplicity is almost surprising, yet each shows how even small habits can create a culture of circularity.
Yesterday’s Innovations, Today’s Trends
Electric Milk Floats
Before the EV revolution, early morning streets were buzzing quietly with electric-powered milk floats. These low-speed, battery-powered vehicles delivered milk straight to our doors, long before Teslas or battery-powered delivery trucks. Milk floats had the perfect combination of battery efficiency and delivery function, working silently and effectively in neighborhoods across the UK. Today, EVs are everywhere, with more than 10 million now on the road worldwide, but the milk float was an unsung pioneer—an example of low-tech circularity before we gave it a name.
Paper Bags for Groceries
Back then, paper bags weren’t about virtue-signaling eco-consciousness; they were just normal. Fresh produce, groceries, and bread came in paper bags. Even with today’s paper bag comeback, plastic bags still dominate, and they’re contributing to around 300 million tons of plastic waste generated each year worldwide. Europe has seen some promising shifts—France, for example, has reduced single-use plastic by about 65% in supermarkets by reinstating paper bags and reusable options. Looking back, the reliance on renewable, compostable packaging made sense. Small change, big impact.
Glass Milk Bottles and Beer Bottle Deposits
Back in the day, the milkman didn’t just deliver; he collected empty bottles, too. These glass bottles were cleaned and reused up to 20 times before being fully recycled. This system worked for other beverages, too. In the Netherlands where we used to live, beer bottles still operate under a deposit scheme: bring back the empties, get some change. Unlike recycling, reusing glass keeps the material in circulation for longer, cutting down on production and energy costs. Imagine if we had kept this model, instead of throwing away 500 billion plastic bottles globally every year.
Rural Public Transit: From Independence to Isolation
Rural public transport used to be a lifeline, connecting even the smallest towns and villages with affordable, regular bus and train routes. But in recent decades, funding cuts and shifting priorities have caused severe declines in service, leaving many rural residents isolated. It’s a story of unintended consequences: without access to reliable transit, these communities have been forced to rely on private cars, which are costly to maintain and increase emissions. According to recent data, rural residents in the UK, for example, now face an average 40-minute commute just to reach essential services. It’s a reminder of how we’ve traded a sense of connection and mobility for short-term gains, when what’s really needed is reinvestment in public options that give people freedom without dependence on cars.
Neighborhood Composting
Backyard composting bins were once a staple for gardeners, who would toss kitchen scraps, grass cuttings, and leaves into them, creating rich compost for their plants. Today, municipal composting is a focus for cities looking to reduce waste, but home composting could have the same benefits on a smaller scale without the need for complex collection systems. Food scraps make up around 30% of landfill content in the US alone, contributing to methane emissions. By encouraging composting—right in our backyards—we’re keeping resources local and reducing emissions.
Measuring Our Impact
Statistics back up the idea that small, consistent habits can drive big change. Globally, over 80% of municipal solid waste ends up in landfills and incinerators. Research from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation suggests that by simply increasing product reuse, we could reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 40%. Denmark, one of the world’s recycling leaders, has cut plastic bag consumption by 90% through reusable bag incentives and deposit systems. Meanwhile, cities like Oslo have seen a 35% drop in inner-city emissions thanks to policies that promote cycling and pedestrian access over cars.
Taking a Cue from the Past
Maybe the next step in sustainability is not to always innovate but to reintegrate. Businesses and local governments are realising that circular practices make sense not only for the planet but also for people. Let’s celebrate new developments in sustainable materials and clean technology, but let’s also give a nod to the old habits that worked so well.
Sometimes, the way forward is to remember what we already knew.
Want to learn some more?
Here are some great sites where you can learn some more….
- Ellen MacArthur Foundation
They provide excellent insights on circular economy principles, including data on potential emissions reductions and waste minimization.
ellenmacarthurfoundation.org - European Environment Agency (EEA)
EEA reports on sustainability practices across Europe, including the impact of policies on recycling, public transport, and plastic reduction efforts.
eea.europa.eu - United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP offers detailed statistics on plastic waste, recycling rates, and sustainable consumption trends, providing a global perspective on environmental impact.
unep.org - The Guardian – Environmental Section
The Guardian frequently covers developments in sustainable practices, rural transport challenges, and innovations in the circular economy, often backed by current data.
theguardian.com/environment
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