Reforming Sustainability and the Infinite Economy

By Paul “Max” Le Pera

When we think of infinity, it conjures up thoughts of the size of the universe, the series of never-ending numbers in Pi, and time—all values that seem to have no limits or bounds. In science and mathematics, infinities are fatal in theory derivation and signify an error in logic and, well, it’s back to the drawing board. However, there is another aspect of infinity where approaching—not reaching—its efficacy is the goal. This aspect is perpetual motion—a seemingly uninterrupted flow that can be self-sustaining. This presents the Holy Grail for Sustainability.

Increasing in popularity in both concept and graphic use is the circular economy. The circle is a wonderful depiction of reduce, reuse and recycle— the three central pillars of sustainability. The shape supports a closed loop life cycle of products and resources, which is (theoretically) exponentially more environmentally friendly than the current linear model we see today: buy/make, use, discard, indefinitely linger and pollute.

So why then might the notion of an infinite economy be better aligned with the evolution and projected future of sustainability? The answer is simple, and it rests in both theory and advancing technology. In theory, the infinity shape and circular shape both depict a continuum. However, the infinity shape is merely a twist of the current model which allows for a divergence of path. It suggests nonlinear velocity whereas the circular shape connotes a return to where you started as well as a linear velocity that follows a constant shape. After all, it’s not the infinity shape but just a circle, pinched at its diameter and given a 180-degree twist; even metaphorically, it’s a perfect fit.

Regarding technology, there are efforts focused on waste conversion, a sort of alchemical process to convert or upcycle waste into a valuable asset form. We see some of this today. For example, waste is burned, and the resulting heat turns water to steam, which then turns the blades of a turbine generator and voila, electricity. There are other technologies deployed, and ones soon to be, that will dramatically increase the processing capacity of waste conversion and, more importantly, in increasingly eco-friendly and economically viable process designs.

Therefore, the divergent path the infinite economy affords the future of sustainability is a model in which we add the term reform to the model. Reduce, recycle, reuse and reform. Is this semantics? Marketing? No, not at all. In fact, without the reform element woven into sustainable economic theories, the current circular model does not directly address both the energy and potential emissions/contamination hazards associated with reducing, recycling and reusing. These variables are critical to the validity and integrity of the entire sustainability framework; left unaddressed, it could be the coup de grâce to a seemingly workable model devoid of its apparent integration.

By diverting or upcycling some of the waste in the model, we can make the energy we need to fuel the model and eliminate an incessant and growing demand for virgin energy. We can make other process assets in the reforming phase that will be used to incite and or accelerate growth and prosperity of myriad businesses and industries. In fact, the reform piece can be used to address water conservation and stewardship, as potable H2O is potentially a byproduct of the mass reformation processes.

Technologies are being formulated to realize all the aforementioned; however, focus on the totality of the process paradigm and to what extent the technology and execution processes operate in and support the integrity of the model is ultimately what matters. Creating a larger carbon footprint as a result of the process execution, solving one issue but equally raising another (byproducts/ emissions), and using more energy than we’re saving are just some of the major flaws of what we are experiencing today. They are preventing a fully integrated model that is self-sustaining.

Stay tuned. The next 12 to 36 months will see some deliverance in this area. Strategies on how all our strategic partners—manufacturers, distributors, fabricators and more—can synergize efforts in a cooperative way to support and benefit from the infinite economic model will also be systematically unveiled.

It is evident that the sustainability movement is gaining global momentum. There’s a new administration that has championed the Green New Deal; a pandemic that has created an ultra-heightened awareness around health and safety; increased initiatives around resolving natural resource devastation; a growing wave of increased social and consumer consciousness toward wanting to do the right thing for the planet; and sustainable innovation in product and process alternatives are entering the market at an increasing rate. These dynamics all work together to turn cacophony into symphony when it comes to the harmony of sustainability.

In 2021, Countertops and Architectural Surfaces magazine began to include dedicated focus around sustainability in the building materials industry with specific focus around surfacing and related raw materials. We breached the notion of the sustainable fabricator and how ISFA will continue development on our special designation, LEEF, which will elucidate how fabricators can embrace and execute on sustainability in their operations. This is a work in progress, in which growth and refinement will be highly encouraged by our manufacturer and supplier partners as they delve further into research and development in this area. It will be up to the fabricating partner to align with not only the products but also with the values of sustainability.

Something near and dear to many and at the very heart of my own personal dedication to sustainability rests in what I deem the bull’s-eye of sustainability: protecting and preserving the rights of future generations. It’s about how we can thrive and survive today without compromising the lifestyle, environment and ability for future generations to meet their needs and have a world at least as good, if not better, than we had. I do hope you will join us in this endeavor and every step, no matter how small, will contribute to the movement.

About the Author

Paul “Max” Le Pera is president and founder of Global Surfacing Alliance LLC, a global consortium of partnerships and ventures primarily devoted to sourcing and launching both proprietary products and disruptive technologies. He is both a member of the board and vice president of Global Standards for ISFA. He can be reached at PMaxGlobalSurfacing Alliance.com.

The original content herein belongs to Paul “Max” Le Pera and shall not be reprinted without his permission.