If you are looking for a place to live that offers economic security, environmental sustainability, and community resilience, you might want to consider the Bitterroot Valley of western Montana. This rural area is endowed with abundant natural resources, a rich cultural heritage, and a visionary spirit that makes it an ideal place to develop a circular economy.

What is a circular economy?

A circular economy is an economic system that aims to eliminate waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems. It is based on the principles of designing out waste, keeping resources in circulation, and restoring ecological balance.

A circular economy is different from a linear economy, which follows a "take-make-waste" model of production and consumption. In a linear economy, resources are extracted from nature, transformed into products, used by consumers, and then discarded as waste. This creates environmental and social problems such as resource depletion, greenhouse gas emissions, landfills, and inequality.

A circular economy offers many benefits for businesses, consumers, and society as a whole. It can help reduce costs, increase efficiency, create new revenue streams, foster innovation, enhance customer loyalty, improve well-being, and protect the environment.

Why the Bitterroot Valley?

The Bitterroot Valley is an ideal example of a locale where a circular economy can be implemented at a local level. The valley has a long history of self-reliance and community cooperation, dating back to the Native American tribes that inhabited the area before European settlers arrived. The valley is also home to diverse ecosystems that provide essential environmental services such as water purification, soil fertility, pollination, and climate regulation.

The Bitterroot Valley has many assets that can support a circular economy, such as:

Water and air quality: The valley has abundant water resources from the Bitterroot River and its tributaries, as well as clean air from the surrounding mountains. These natural resources are vital for human health and agricultural production.
Energy autonomy: The valley has great potential for renewable energy generation from solar, wind, hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal sources. These energy sources can reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Locally produced food, shelter, and necessities: The valley has a strong agricultural sector that produces food crops such as wheat, barley, oats, alfalfa, potatoes, apples, cherries, and berries. It also has livestock operations that raise cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and bees. The valley also has local businesses that provide goods and services such as construction materials, furniture, clothing, health care, education, and entertainment.
Adequate and up-to-date infrastructure: The valley has basic infrastructure such as water and sewer systems, electricity production and transmission, health and human services, primary and post-graduate education, transportation, irrigation, and internet capacity. These infrastructure elements are essential for facilitating economic activity and social interaction.
Open and public spaces: The valley has plenty of open and public spaces such as parks, trails, forests, wildlife refuges, and historical sites. These spaces offer recreational opportunities, cultural enrichment, and aesthetic value for residents and visitors alike.

An example for the world

By leveraging these unique features, the Bitterroot Valley can become a model for circular economies in the United States and beyond. By working together to promote circular initiatives, we can create a more sustainable and prosperous future for not only the Bitterroot Valley, but everyone.