Making Sustainability Accessible: Breaking Myths and Building the Future with Full Circle Sustainability
Welcome back to our October Tenant Spotlight series! Last week, we introduced you to Full Circle Sustainability, our incredible co-location partner at the CRC CARE Center @ Stout. We explored their inspiring origin story, their unique grocery and recycling services, and how they are making low-waste living easier for busy people across Topeka.
This week, we are diving deeper. We're looking at the real challenges of running a grassroots nonprofit, how Full Circle is debunking common misconceptions about eco-friendly living, and what their massive, community-wide vision looks like for the future.
Tackling the "Affluent" Myth
A common misconception is that sustainable living is exclusively for the affluent—those who can easily afford premium organic produce or an expensive electric car. Full Circle works hard to actively combat this idea.
While it’s true that some shop prices are higher than big-box stores like Walmart, that discrepancy stems from larger economic systems and pricing models that fail to account for environmental degradation, do not pay workers a living wage, and heavily subsidize industrial agriculture and petroleum. Operating on extremely thin margins themselves, Full Circle's local farmers face the same economic realities.
Despite these structural hurdles, Full Circle is deeply committed to serving people across all income levels. They offer numerous free services and dedicate themselves to educating the community on practical, budget-friendly ways to live sustainably and save money at the same time.
Reliability and Resilience: Over Six Years Strong
Building a grassroots nonprofit takes incredible grit. Full Circle’s journey—from Robert starting the Topeka Growers Group in 2020 to Justine joining with bulk soap refills in 2022 and transitioning into a physical nonprofit home at the CRC CARE Center in 2023—is a testament to that dedication.
In fact, their commitment to reliability is legendary: in more than 6 years of operation, they have never taken a week off from deliveries or putting out their weekly newsletter! That kind of consistent, steadfast presence is rare and deeply appreciated by the Topeka community.
The Big Vision for Topeka’s Future
Full Circle’s dreams for the future stretch far beyond their current storefront. Their long-term vision includes three major pillars:
In the Grocery Realm: They envision serving as a regional food hub for northeast and central Kansas, streamlining local food distribution so farmers in places like Great Bend can easily and efficiently sell their goods in markets like Kansas City.
In the Recycling Realm: They dream of a staffed, drive-thru recycling drop-off location open during convenient hours, handling everything from cardboard to electronics—ideally run in partnership with Shawnee County Solid Waste to manage complex items like TerraCycle.
In the Composting Realm: They have big aspirations for a public drop-off or curbside pickup program for food scraps, and despite running into regulatory roadblocks, they refuse to give up until better local options exist.
How You Can Help
Full Circle’s path forward comes down to two primary things: relationships and money. Fortunately, you don't need to spend a single dollar to make a massive impact. Telling others about Full Circle, inviting them to give a presentation to your organization, introducing them to potential funders, or bringing them into the room with local decision-makers helps bring their big vision for Topeka to life.
And of course, shopping at their storefront or making a financial donation goes a long way for a frugal, growing organization.
Be sure to check out their upcoming events—like the Holiday Décor Swap on October 10 or volunteering for Curbside Yard Waste Collection—and stay tuned as our October Tenant Spotlight continues next week!
To learn more right now, visit the Full Circle Sustainability Website or check out their Facebook Page.