# Can you think of examples of circularity from the past?
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Although the implementation of a circular economy at scale appears to be a relatively new concept, did you know that it isn’t, really? In fact, it’s our linear way of working that is the new kid on the block, tracing its roots to the industrial revolution. Many of us are familiar with stories from grandparents talking about keeping that same sweater repaired for years, using every last little bit of a butchered animal, or having sat in the same armchair for decades. These are examples of when consumerism and wasteful linearity where still new ideas. And a lot of these old practices are actually perfectly circular.

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“In the mid-19th century, waste cork dust was rolled into a rubber base (incorporating waste) to make kamptulicon, a durable floor covering. When superseded by linoleum, old kamptulicon was cut into sturdy chopping boards. The early plastics, Xylonite and Parkesine, reused waste from coal gasification used in town gas, plus old rags and paper. Victorian houses heaved with substantial reuse: beneath papier- mâché ceilings and cornices hung flock wallpaper, made from linen rags and waste wool (“mungo”) dyed using byproducts of coal gasification and glued in place with animal waste.”
- href="https://www.ft.com/stream/198631d1-a0f9-44e6-a8a1-23837462fae3" target="_blank" rel="noopener" (https://www.ft.com/stream/198631d1-a0f9-44e6-a8a1-23837462fae3)**

Can you think of any stories or examples of circularity in the past, when it was simply accepted as common practice?

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