Topic of the day: Circular economy
The circular economy is a novel model being developed to improve the way we use natural resources. In order to understand the circular economy, we need to compare it with the standard model that most businesses operate nowadays. Our current economic model is linear, as seen in the image below, which means that the natural resource is taken, then processed to create a product that is used and disposed at the end. Look around your house and see how many items had to be already replaced because it was too old or broken at a certain time. For example, the fridge, chairs, clothes, shoes and many other “durable” items. Also, we spend a lot of resources on packages, bags, paper for wrapping and so on, just to be later thrown away.
The linear economy cannot be sustained in the long term and we are already facing serious problems regarding waste disposal and contamination of watersheds and oceans. Each person generates an enormous amount of trash every year, and typically this amount increases in more developed nations and higher standards of living. Thinking on a global scale, our problem tends to get worse with the industrialization and development of nations. There is also a problem that developing countries are importing waste generated by developed countries in order to obtain a cheaper source of materials. Many of these shipments are not correctly treated and cause a problem where they are processed.
The graph below shows how many kilograms per person per year is generated in each member of the European Union. The EU average is 480 kg, but many countries with large populations such as Germany and France generate more than that.
The concept of a circular economy tries to solve the problem we face nowadays with the extensive production and consumption of goods. It demands a rethinking process on how our economy operates regarding the design of more durable and repairable products, the reduction of waste generation, an increase in the recycling rates and correct disposal of final waste. The circular economy concept could be considered as a utopia, but it is in fact slowly being incorporated in the political agenda. Many countries have already implemented waste management policies, which help to mitigate the problem somehow. However, the circular economy model goes beyond recycling and demands the redesigning of products and services to use less material and energy. In a circular economy, the circle is not only closed by the waste being reused as a resource, but also with additional steps for reusing, renovating, refurbishing and finally recycling.
One of the big issues is the amount of plastic produced and improperly disposed around the world. Although there are already companies developing biodegradable plastic with vegetal oil, which can be used to replace the fossil-based plastic, we still need further developments of organic materials that can be biodegradable. A myriad of products can be redesigned to consider how the different parts can be processed and reused at the end of their lifetime.
The energy transition to renewable sources can also contribute to solving this big puzzle from the circular economy. Different natural resources such as solar, wind and ocean energy can be used to produce goods with a lower carbon footprint.
Another way of implementing the circular economy is by implementing leasing and rental contracts for durable products like electronic components, cars, domestic appliances, and smartphones. Take the example of a machine at your house and think about how much was paid for that and how often you use it. If this machine was leased, you would have to pay a very little monthly fee and a company would be responsible to keep it in the best shape as possible, prolonging the lifetime with the expected high performance. Or you could only rent it when needed. This way of thinking also helps to create local jobs for the maintenance and refurbishing of such machines. At the end of the contract, the product goes back to the manufacturer who can replace damaged parts and properly recycle the final waste. The repaired product can then be used by another person.
The environment is benefited by the circular economy in several ways, including the preservation of soil, water, air and the climate. The population also benefits from this improvement by having a better quality of living.
The circular economy can be either incorporated in a multinational context or in a local community. Another example is the consumption of food. If you buy local products which are produced in an environmentally friendly way, you are supporting the local economy, generating local value, and helping to collect local taxes which can, in turn, support the local community.
There are many other ways that you can contribute to the circular economy:
· Reduce consumption and avoid buying unnecessary or disposable products;
· Renovate the items you have at home such as furniture, clothes, etc;
· When something needs to be disposed of, try to donate it or bring to a place where it can be reused somehow;
· Bring your own bags to the supermarket and buy less packaged food;
· Consider leasing and renting for products that you don’t use too often;
· Separate your trash and if your city does not have a collection of recyclable items, bring it yourself to a place where it can be recycled.
You can also start lobbying for this cause and discuss the issues and ideas with relatives and friends. Start by small steps and follow your progress along the time. For sure you can make a difference.
