My Journey into Circular Economy at Deals Colony: Transforming Waste into Worth
- Monika Kulshrestha
- Jul 16
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 25
In the vibrant environment of Deals Colony, I found myself on a journey that changed how I view waste and its potential. The concept of the circular economy resonated with my beliefs. It’s more than just recycling; it’s about rethinking our relationship with resources and materials. This blog post shares my experiences with the circular economy at Deals Colony, demonstrating that, with creativity and innovation, waste can indeed be turned into valuable products.
Understanding the Circular Economy
Let's clarify what the circular economy is. This sustainable model aims to reduce waste and maximise resources. Unlike the traditional linear economy, which follows a 'take-make-dispose' pattern, the circular economy focuses on reusing, recycling, and regenerating materials. This shift not only lessens environmental impact but also creates new economic opportunities. In fact, businesses that adopt circular models can see a profit increase of 25% or more within a few years.
Identifying Opportunities: The Potential of Waste
My adventure started with recognising the waste generated at Deals Colony. I saw everything from damaged items to packaging materials that were being discarded. It sparked an idea: what if we could transform these overlooked materials into something valuable? That spark came to life during our Happy Hobby Hour workshops, where people of all ages came together to create their own masterpieces using materials others might throw away.
I focused on materials that were readily available. For example, in Deals Colony, fabric scraps, broken goods, and cardboard boxes were common. Research showed that many of these items could be reshaped into marketable goods. Cardboard became mini dioramas. Leftover display stock turned into Christmas gifts. Broken items found new purpose in upcycled decor. It wasn’t just about craft—it was about confidence, community, and joy. This hands-on transformation experience inspired us to go deeper. We began sourcing quality surplus and discarded products from closing stores, donations, and local makers who needed a fresh set of eyes. What started with a few boxes of “maybe” became one of our most powerful projects yet.
I partnered with local artists who were eager to experiment with these waste materials. This collaboration opened up numerous opportunities. We created not just art but an entire product line that resonated with consumers who care about sustainability.
Bringing Ideas to Life: Crafting Unique Products
After identifying the materials and collaborators, it was time to bring our ideas to reality.
One of our proudest circular economy success stories began inside a Deals Colony workshop — where we don’t just repurpose materials, we reimagine possibilities.
During one of our Happy Hobby Hour upcycling sessions, a creative husband-and-wife duo, Kerri and Jenny, transformed a basic Lazy Susan into something truly special: a stylish Grazing Sussie, ready for entertaining guests with flair.
🛠️ With nothing more than a Lazy Susan, BBQ skewers, a drill machine, and a lot of heart, they prototyped a product that became the star of our circular retail line.
💡 At Deals Colony, we recognised the potential and ran with it. We:
Rebranded the concept
Styled and staged multiple use ideas
Packaged it with mini photo inspiration cards
And listed it across our circular retail channels
🎁 The result? Over 100 pieces sold, and the lazy susan even landed in eBay’s trending homeware category during the holidays.
🧾 While Kerri & Jenny politely declined any financial reward, we offered them a gratitude gift for sharing their time and creative spark. They reminded us what Deals Colony is all about: creating from joy, not pressure.
This wasn’t just a product. It was proof that old ideas, revived with community creativity, can fuel new income, pride, and sustainable business models.
Building a Community Around Sustainability
A surprising outcome of this journey was the community that emerged around our mission. As news of our circular economy initiative spread, more artisans and small businesses began to join us. We organised workshops, teaching participants how to upcycle their own waste into functional products.
This communal enablement became invaluable, particularly for those looking to turn a passion into a side hustle. The circular economy is not just a method; it’s a movement fostering creativity and collaboration. Every little effort contributed to transforming Deals Colony into a hub of sustainable innovation.
Navigating Challenges
Like any journey, mine encountered challenges. I faced difficulties in sourcing high-quality waste materials and convincing sceptics of their value. Moreover, adapting to market demand fluctuations for sustainable products required constant adjustments.
But each challenge taught us something. Every barrier became a chance to innovate. We refined designs based on real feedback. We turned scrap into sellable goods. And we did it all while staying true to our values..
Educating Consumers: The Importance of Awareness
To ensure our venture thrived, we realized the need to educate our customers about the circular economy. We hosted events at Deals Colony that emphasised reducing waste, the benefits of upcycling, and the positive impact of supporting small, sustainable businesses.
The results were encouraging. Customers began to understand the ethical choices they made when purchasing our products. This educational effort was crucial for not only expanding our business but also fostering an environmentally responsible mindset within the community. For example, 70% of attendees at our workshops reported a heightened awareness of their consumption habits afterward.
Celebrating Successes: Reflection on the Journey
As I continue this journey, I reflect on the many hands and hearts who’ve helped shape it. Each Lazy Susan sold, each workshop completed, each idea launched—it's all proof that purpose-led circular projects can create real change.
From waste to worth.From stockroom to spotlight.From “I used to love crafting” to “Look what I made!"
Final Thoughts
My journey into the circular economy at Deals Colony has been truly transformative. By reimagining waste, we've ignited a movement focused on sustainability, creativity, and community. For anyone looking to monetize a hobby or explore sustainable entrepreneurship, consider the circular economy.
And this is just the beginning. I’ll be sharing more real case studies on how we’re embedding circular economy principles at every level—from creative reuse to community retail, digital innovation to inclusive workshops.
✨ This story was just one example from our Circular Retail Project.
📩 Want to be one of the first to receive our upcoming stories of impact, behind-the-scenes insights, and passion-led project launches? Email us or subscribe now — you don’t want to miss what’s next.
Every effort counts in making our world better. Together, we can turn waste into worth and create a positive ripple effect that uplifts communities and protects our planet. Join in this exciting journey and find out how you too can make a difference—one idea at a time.
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