How does a circular economy benefit the planet?

We are using and discarding products at a rate that exceeds our planet’s capacity to sustainably handle them. Implementing a circular economy could play a crucial role in safeguarding the environment. But how can a circular economy contribute to environmental protection?

How does a circular economy work?

The current global economy operates in a linear manner, where products are created using raw materials and are quickly discarded as waste. This unsustainable process requires the continuous extraction of new raw materials, resulting in significant harm to the environment.

In contrast, the circular economy aims to break this cycle. Designers create products with longer lifespans and easy repairability. At the end of life, they recycle materials, like transforming broken glass into new bottles. This approach minimizes waste and emissions, while also conserving valuable resources and reducing costs.

Moreover, applying the circular economy concept to all types of production processes and enhancing it with renewable energy sources can make it even more environmentally friendly.

What advantages does recycling offer?

People have practiced the concept of the circular economy for centuries, efficiently using products and minimizing waste. However, with the industrialization of production processes in the past 150 years, there has been a shift towards disposable items.

Traditional communities and industries like organic farming still embody the principles of the circular economy by utilizing natural waste as fertilizer. Additionally, architects in various countries are increasingly adopting sustainable practices by utilizing locally sourced materials like wood instead of environmentally harmful cement. There is also a growing emphasis on renovating buildings to extend their lifespan and reusing the raw materials when demolition is necessary.

Many materials, including glass and metals, can be recycled without significant loss of quality. Paper can be reused multiple times, up to 25 cycles. However, recycling plastic is often more challenging due to its frequent mixture with other materials and the presence of harmful chemicals.

Furthermore, recycling plays a crucial role in reducing emissions. For instance, recycling aluminum can save approximately 95% of the energy required for extracting new aluminum from ore.

What impact does the circular economy have on consumers and industry?

How does a circular economy benefit the planet?

To build a circular economy, it is important to have supportive policies and the active participation of both consumers and industry.

Consumers can make a difference by separating their waste to facilitate recycling and by purchasing products that are durable and generate minimal waste. For example, investing in a high-quality jacket crafted from wool or cotton may entail a higher initial cost compared to one made from plastic-derived materials. However, lasting longer, facilitating easy repairs, and composting natural fibers without environmental harm distinguish them from plastic waste.

Industry also plays a crucial role by manufacturing products in a way that conserves resources and energy, preferably without using toxic chemicals that hinder reuse. When considering recycling in the design process, designers can create mobile phones with easy replacement features for batteries and other parts, enabling more efficient recovery and reuse of valuable materials like gold and rare earth elements.

However, transitioning to a circular economy requires governments to establish supportive legal frameworks and policies. Many countries and companies are now promoting recycling, waste reduction, and thoughtful design of systems and products. This not only benefits the environment but also has the potential to create approximately six million new jobs worldwide by 2030.