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Table of Contents
Introduction
Introduction
"The circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. In a circular economy, products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting. The circular economy tackles climate change and other global challenges, like biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution, by decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources.
The circular economy is based on three principles, driven by design:
Underpinned by a transition to renewable energy and materials, the circular economy is a resilient system that is good for business, people, and the environment." - Ellen Macarthur Foundation: Circular Economy Introduction
3:48 minute video
Benefits of Circular Economy
Benefits of Circular Economy
Potential Problems of Circular Economy
Potential Problems of Circular Economy
As with everything good, there are usually a possibility of problems and pitfalls. This section discuses a few issues that may arise from an economic structure reliant on waste, as well as the potential impacts on society. We'll also discuss solutions to counteract these types of problems, such as contingency plans and new ways of structuring society in order to "soften the blow" for the people who currently rely on a linear economy of over-production to survive.
Reduced Production for the Economy Could Create Job Loss
Reduced Production for the Economy Could Create Job Loss
In a world where many people are struggling to keep or acquire new jobs, this is an important ethical consideration to consider.
We are already losing jobs due to economy contraction, being replaced by robots and AI, which means the risk of further job loss as we all scale back on production is an ever-growing threat to many people.
This is why it is perhaps more important than ever to consider non-economic ways to support people and their communities. Some examples include welfare programs and wealth redistribution solutions such as Guaranteed Basic Income (GBI), share economies, and single-payer health coverage for all.
Some resources that already exist, and would support this type of shift include:
Improved and free public transit would help reduce the need for billions of vehicles that are rarely used and take up valuable living spaces. When we potentially reach a point where drivers a no-longer needed, automation could still ensure transit users make it safely to their destinations. Some places already offer free bus passes to certain groups of people such as students, people with disabilities, and the elderly, while others have started to experiment with free fair for all.
Unintended Backfiring from Reliance on Waste
Unintended Backfiring from Reliance on Waste
Production that is reliant on "waste" may create reliance that could theoretically backfire against circular economy core principles, instead encouraging waste full consumption and production in order to keep the system going. This issues was raised by scientists.
When considering a circular economy model, consider if this type of waste will exist indefinitely, or if it is accompanied with a reduction or replacement of the waste "supply" in the foreseeable future. If the later is true, then it would also be wise to create a contingency plan for ending the system once the transition is done (for example if a plastic recycling plant could be shut down or transitioned to something else should plastic production be outlawed). Considerations such as this can reduce the risk of people producing and consuming more plastic products, due to the idea that "we can endlessly recycle it", despite this not being true.
Examples of Circular Economy
Examples of Circular Economy
Biological
Biological
Composting
Composting
This can be done at home or on a farm, but in urban communities where people often don't have enough space to compost, composting services are starting to take off all over the world!
Food Industry
Food Industry
Milkmen have historically used glass bottles, which are cleaned after use and left outside for pickup, and replacement with a newly filled bottle (or however many the customer orders).
Now that a growing percentage of people the high impact of cattle on climate change and our eco-systems can counteract the sustainability of this practice, companies are now starting to shift to plant-based milks and other alternatives. As many dairy farms go out of business, and old-fashioned milkmen have been disappearing, a new generation of vegan milkman services are beginning to take their place, often turning to electric vehicles to further cut emissions and ensure an even quieter mourning round.
Construction & Industry
Construction & Industry
General
General
Zero Waste Shops
Zero Waste Shops
These businesses are diverse in both what they sell and how they sell it. Some consist of standard food, drinks, and cleaning supplies sold in bulk for customers to take away in their own reusable bags and reusable containers (some shops offer cleaned jars that customers can bring back for others who also forgot to bring theirs or didn't have enough for their whole purchase).
Other zero-waste businesses take old materials and turn them into new products such as clothing, furniture, safety gear, sports equipment, home décor such as durable tiles, and much more.
Waste Cleanups
Waste Cleanups
Some cleaver people have come up with ways to clean up toxic waste and turn it into useable materials, such as mining waste that has been spilling one waterway that is being used to make art supplies. Some organizations are working with struggling fishing communities to help clean up deadly fishing gear, producing quality products as the ecosystems that the materials came from start to bounce back with new life!
Organizations & Networks
Organizations & Networks
Europe
Europe
Ukraine
Ukraine
ReThink "A Ukrainian non-profit committed to driving the transition to a circular economy"
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