Let’s do launch: 3 startups leading in circular economy innovation

In an internal email to employees, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said that development of the Raptor rocket engine that will power the Super Heavy/Starship launch system is in “crisis,” adding the company risks bankruptcy if the company can’t turn the situation around, according to media reports.
The problems pose a risk not only to SpaceX and its multi-billion dollar Starlink satellite broadband program, but to Musk’s plans to colonize Mars and NASA’s Artemis program to return astronauts to the moon. The U.S. space agency has awarded SpaceX a $2.9 billion contract to develop a lunar lander based on the Starship vehicle.

If you could design waste out of your business, would you?  Increased sustainability, cost savings and reduced consumption of natural resources … these are just a few of the benefits companies see when they convert waste to energy rather than use traditional waste disposal methods like landfills and fuel blending. For companies that generate hazardous waste, in particular, keeping their dangerous waste out of landfills helps protect the environment while giving them a competitive edge. These companies aren’t few and far between. In fact, the push toward a waste-free economy is catching on as more companies are embracing a circular economy, an economic system that focuses on eliminating waste and the unnecessary use of resources.

Big Street Bikers is supercharging its network of Locky Docks free secure parking and charging stations for cycles, e-bikes and e-scooters with 100 more to be rolled out across New Zealand.  “Mercury has been a cornerstone partner of Big Street Bikers since day one, as we recognise transport is New Zealand’s biggest opportunity to reduce emissions – and our sector can help with that,” says Mercury sustainability general manager Lucie Drummond.  “We’re excited to help get more Kiwis on to bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters, as convenient and cleaner ways to get around, as the network expands.”  Analysis of the 10 existing Locky Docks in Christchurch by consultancy Sense Partners found they contributed to 250,000 fewer vehicle kilometres travelled, 58 tonnes of CO2 abated and $1.7-$2.3 million in physical benefits annually.  Big Street Bikers co-founder Cleve Cameron says Locky Docks are “mode shift machines”.  “The wayfinding and secure storage Locky Docks provide makes them an excellent complement to improving cycling infrastructure. By making it safe, secure and normal to bike to more regularly, we can accelerate climate action and enhance the wellbeing of our streets.”  Sense Partners economist Shamubeel Eaqub says expansion of the network can bring proportionally greater benefits.  “Based on our analysis, the next 100 Locky Docks could reduce vehicle kilometres travelled by 2.5 million kilometres a year,” he says.  “The Locky Dock network also provides exceptional value – $1.50 (at our most conservative measure), up to $4.60 for every $1 of cost (at our most optimistic). That comes from reduced car operating costs, reduced pollution costs, health benefits from cycling and more.”  The next 100 Locky Docks are planned for existing locations – Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton and Christchurch – and new locations such as Tauranga, Whakatane, Napier, New Plymouth, Wairarapa and Dunedin.  Each Locky Dock station has a screen displaying safe cycling routes to make commuting easier and CCTV cameras for extra security.  They are locked and unlocked using the Bikeep app available here.  Meanwhile, transport minister Michael Wood is expected to help launch “The Big Switch” on Friday November 25 in the way people move around New Zealand’s cities from streets made for cars to streets made for people.