GZERO World with Ian Bremmer

How the circular economy empowers small businesses

10 snips
Oct 2, 2025
Ellen Jackowski, Chief Sustainability Officer at Mastercard, leads on circular-economy initiatives, while Rachel McShane, CFO of Depop, champions sustainable fashion. They delve into how circular practices drive both sustainability and profitability for small businesses. The conversation covers community impacts, the shift towards reusable and resale models, and the fight against greenwashing. They emphasize the role of technology, like AI, in enhancing user experiences and ensuring transparency, and call for supportive policies to foster entrepreneurial growth in the circular economy.
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ANECDOTE

Aarhus Reusable Cup Program

  • Aarhus, Denmark runs a reusable cup program using reverse vending and instant MasterCard refunds for deposits.
  • The system keeps streets cleaner and makes reuse feel easy and neutral-cost for consumers.
ANECDOTE

Depop’s Circular Marketplace Snapshot

  • Depop is a peer-to-peer marketplace aimed at making fashion circular with 43 million users and ~400,000 new listings daily.
  • The platform combines excitement, affordability, and sustainability to compete with retail.
INSIGHT

Secondhand Is Becoming Mainstream

  • Secondhand shopping is normalizing fast, led by younger demographics and celebrity endorsement.
  • Resale is growing at roughly three times the pace of overall retail.
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