Why the circular economy is an ‘America First’ policy

The incoming administration has set “America First” as a fundamental principle. At first glance, that might seem incompatible with developing a circular economy.

The circular economy emphasizes sustainability, global cooperation and systemic transformation toward reuse and regeneration; America First policies focus on national interests, emphasizing economic nationalism, reduced reliance on foreign trade and domestic job creation. 

There are opportunities, however, to harmonize aspects of these seemingly divergent philosophies. By leveraging the circular economy’s principles, sustainability leaders can advocate for policies that advance national self-reliance and create jobs while also fostering environmental stewardship and social equity.

America First policies and economic nationalism

Championed by right-of-center politicians including President-elect Donald Trump, conservative economists such as Larry Kudlow and nonprofit organizations such as the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), the America First agenda aims to promote domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on global supply chains, through protectionist tariffs, incentives for reshoring industries. It views multilateral trade agreements with skepticism. 

While sustainability leaders challenge the isolationism and nationalism underlying these policies, they also acknowledge the need to rethink globalization — particularly in the context of exploitative labor practices, environmental degradation and fragile international supply chains exposed during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reading The America First policy agenda, at times, is like reading a blueprint for a future circular economy (despite the authors having no such intention). While I disagree with many of its values and statements, it is clear that we must frame sustainability arguments in language that people of many political persuasions can relate to and support. 

Here are some goals that these two movements share:

An American manufacturing renaissance

Many America First policies can be reimagined in ways that promote equity, sustainability and systemic reform. 

The transition to a circular economy will require a regrowth in local and regional supply chains, reverse logistics, domestic manufacturing and workforce development. According to the AFPI’s America First agenda, “At a time of rapid technological and global economic change, adaptability and resilience will prove key to keeping workers attached to the labor force and able to access ladders of opportunity.” 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. has lost more than 30 percent of its manufacturing jobs since a peak in 1979. The circular economy provides the opportunity to bring manufacturing jobs and skilled labor back to the U.S. in a circular economic renaissance. 

For instance, battery recycling for electric vehicles is critical to building a clean transportation sector. Domestic recycling facilities can minimize reliance on rare earth mineral imports, reduce environmental damage from mining and create skilled jobs. We’re already seeing this burgeoning new industry grow in parts of the country where significant job loss from offshoring has hurt communities in the past. 

Strengthening local economies through repair and reuse

A circular economy thrives on repairability and reuse, which inherently favor localized economies. Policies that promote repair businesses — such as tax breaks and “right to repair” legislation — can dovetail with America First ideals by fostering community-based jobs and reducing reliance on disposable imports. At the same time, they can empower workers, reduce waste and decentralize economic power.

Local supply chains

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed vulnerabilities in global supply chains and dramatically raised prices for products that depend on them. A circular approach offers solutions through shorter, more resilient cycles. For example, shifting to bioplastics and other renewable, domestically produced materials can reduce dependency on foreign petroleum-based products. Investments in local material innovation can help ensure that economic nationalism supports sustainability rather than perpetuating fossil fuel reliance. 

Investing in green infrastructure and education

Likewise, investments in circular economy infrastructure — recycling plants, composting facilities and renewable energy systems — can form part of a broader green industrial policy. Such initiatives align with America First’s focus on domestic growth while positioning the U.S. to lead in emerging global markets. Education and workforce development programs tailored to circular industries, such as remanufacturing or sustainable agriculture, can further ensure that the transition to a low carbon, circular economy benefits American workers.

Evidence of this type of infrastructure is starting to emerge in examples such as textile circularity regional hubs through partnership among Goodwill, waste management giant WM and textile recycler Reju. Regional infrastructure for circular activities can create good jobs (an America First priority) while protecting the environment and advancing environmental justice causes (both circular economy priorities). 

A new patriotism

These synergies don’t disguise the fact that America First rhetoric (such as “energy independence”) is often used to justify environmental destruction, such as expanding domestic fossil fuel extraction. 

But the intersection of the circular economy and America First policies presents an opportunity to transcend partisanship. Framing circular economy initiatives as both environmentally essential and economically patriotic will appeal to broader constituencies while advancing systemic change. 

This will involve redefining America First in a way that aligns with sustainable economic policy, local clean energy development and collective responsibility, positioning the U.S. as a model for sustainable development.

[It’s time to unlearn linear systems and shift from extractive to regenerative. Join over 1,500 professionals working to advance the circular economy at Circularity, April 29-May 1, Denver, CO.]