Has India Just Taken the First Step Towards a Circular Economy?
Addressing environmental problems through a transformative new approach.
Of all the types of pens available, I despise the ‘use-and-throw’ ones the most. It is extremely popular among Indian students because of the cost ($ 0.024 per piece). However, it is not at all sustainable.
Today, countless such single-use products surround us, most of which are a result of a linear economy model. From fossil fuels to minerals, fibers to animal products, the products we use and throw away are all part of this model. Rapid climate change and environmental degradation are a wake-up call for us to switch to a new and sustainable model- the circular economy.
If you are new to the term, circular economy refers to the process of eliminating waste and repurposing old products and materials for as long as possible. In this way, the life cycle of a product is extended and reduces waste piling up. Furthermore, it also adds value to the product and environment.
In a way, it has become a “ray of hope” for the waste management industry and helps to combat economic degradation. A circular economy also cuts our carbon emissions. However, to many it sounds more suited to small Scandinavian countries. Could it really work in the world’s most populated country: India?
Currently, global economies follow a linear or “take-make-waste” model. In this model, raw material is used to produce goods, after which consumers buy and dispose of it, typically in landfill. The consequence of this is stark: world production is using 60% resources more than our planet can provide, say UNDP. It further contributes to the rise in pollution and poses a significant threat to our biodiversity.
A different study by the European Parliament also points out that the way things are presently produced encourages users to buy a new replacement rather than repair it. This “built-in obsolescence” is a result of a lack of access to spare parts.
On the contrary, an Accenture study highlights the $4.5 trillion possible potential value of a circular economy by 2030. Hence, we have a lot to gain in terms of finance and improving our environment. One of the simplest ways to define the circular economy model is through the following six Rs:
- Rethink: if the product can be shared with multiple people.
- Reduce: the use of resources. This also promotes mindful minimalism.
- Reuse: by repurposing old items.
- Repair: the broken items instead of buying a new replacement.
- Remanufacture: a new product with the old parts.
- Recycle: If none of the above works, recycle.
It is crucial to note that recycling is the LAST option in this model. The ideal circular economy product is redesigned to last ‘several life cycles’. Immediate recycling is not an aim of the model.
According to the World Economic Forum, a “true circular economy” would require a large-scale change in the system. Most examples to date, however, have been relatively niche. Such as Polycare, a German construction start-up, which reinvented building blocks by making them with recycled PET waste, building waste, and desert sand.
India surprised the world, however, when on July 1st, 2022, the central government announced a countrywide ban on single-use plastic items, including their manufacture, sale, import, distribution, and use. A country of 1.4 Billion people now promotes a sustainable circular economy model.
The ban was initially imposed on products that had low utility and high littering potential, posing a great environmental and economic challenge. More than one year on, this measure has successfully begun to promote a circular economy model and reduce the plastic footprint of the packaging industry.
Going back to the example of one-time-use pens, raising awareness is trying to change the trend and bring down the use of the extremely affordable mode of writing. Schools in Eloor municipality now have ‘drop boxes’ to collect such pens and are popularizing the use of refillable pens among students. The primary objective of this practice is to encourage kids to avoid using single-use plastic products.
Times of India further reports “many success stories” including ‘bartan bhandars’ groups to discourage the use of disposable plastic, and the growth of eco-refiil ‘Vikalp’ stores in Delhi. There’s also the ‘Meendum Manjappai Campaign’ in Tamil Nadu aimed at promoting the use of cloth bags. While the Environment Ministry’s ‘India Plastic Challenge — Hackathon 2021’ for start-ups and college students saw the creation of a biodegradable alternative to Polystyrene from paddy straw waste and a packaging material using seaweed.
However, there remain huge challenges. Scenes such as the image above remain all-too-common. Different types of waste get disposed of in the same place, making it difficult for segregation and ultimately recycling. Even the within official waste management plants, it can lead to hazards such as the Kochi Fire incident in early 2023. A fire broke out at the waste management park in the southern state of Kerala, after which residents inhaled toxic fumes for the following days. While the management staff overlooked safety hazards in this incident, we must ensure that the possibility of such incidents is reduced as much as possible. For this, waste segregation at the source is a must.
Behaviour change and compliance also prove hard to shift. A study one year on from the ban of single use plastics across India found “Plastic cups, cutlery and plates are commonly available at food stalls, local markets, bus depots and most party decoration shops.” The capital, Delhi, was found to be least compliant of all, with 88% of the spots checked still offering banned items; but the best rated, Bangalore, was still at 55%. Much more work is clearly needed.
What Should Be Our Next Steps?
India has taken an ambitious first step. If it can close the compliance loopholes, and begin to add more items to the ‘banned’ list, it could truly find a new path. Highlighting the interconnectedness of a circular economy with segregation and climate change is crucial because it urges people to think holistically. Following a circular economic model can help mitigate climate change and waste piling by minimizing the use of resources and GHG emissions.
We have to redefine the way we use linear economy products and make a large-scale shift toward the circular economy model. Start saying to single-use products and think of ways to reuse and repurpose the old items that still fulfil the original purpose.
Adopting this model requires the collective support of several stakeholders like the community and government, but the change starts with an individual. As renowned environmentalist Sunita Narain says, for India’s plan to be effective, “you are talking about raising awareness among millions”. It might sound cliché, but that starts with us all living by the phrase:
“ Be the change you wish to see in the world”.
