Incorporating “circularity” into our economy and changing how we consume are ideas gaining popularity when talking about sustainability. But what is the circular economy, and why do we need it?
The circular economy aims to create a balance between economic, environmental, and social concerns. Specifically, it aims to design effective waste management processes, minimize the loss of materials to landfills and reduce the impacts on communities and the environment.
Circular Economy vs. Linear Economy
A circular economy is an economic model that minimizes waste and maximizes resources by following a “make – use – recover – remake” production model. The model is regenerative by design, maximizing efficiency by designing out waste and keeping products and materials in use at their highest value for as long as possible.
In other words, it’s running the economy in a way that mimics nature, where all waste products feed into another system. The same way a fallen tree decomposes to nourish the forest soil. Or the continuous exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen between plants and humans.
Unlike nature, we use a linear economic model that supports a “make – use – dispose” production model with planned and perceived obsolescence, such as cars, electronics, or fast fashion. As a result, many materials are continually disposed of in landfills or incinerated without being recovered for reuse. In addition to the lost materials, we also lose the valuable resources (freshwater and energy) used to produce those materials from raw resources.
The circular economy uses a holistic approach to emphasize the importance of interdependence at all levels: governments, large and small businesses, communities, and individuals. So even if you’re not a product designer or policymaker, you still have a role within this system; everybody and everything does.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation infographic below illustrates the continuous flow of materials through a loop system. The left side represents the regeneration of biological systems, for example, the food we eat. The right side represents the recovery of technical products and materials (electronics, appliances, cars) using the “7R” principles; rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish, recover and recycle.
How You Can Contribute
The concept of the circular economy and how it applies to you can be a bit confusing. However, by following the “7R” principles, you can assess the resources available to you to help guide your zero waste journey.
Rethink
Rethink your consumption habits. Get clear on what you need and cut out what you don’t. Shop with purpose to reduce impulse buying. Promote the sharing economy by creating or joining your local Zero Waste or Buy Nothing Facebook group.
Reduce
Reduce your consumption by purchasing what you need. Invest in quality items that will last longer or can be fixed. Reduce your energy consumption by turning down the heat or air conditioning when you’re not at home. When possible, plan to walk or ride a bike to the store or work to reduce your carbon emissions.
Reuse
Reuse is the most common way you can reduce waste. Repurpose or reuse items you have in your home. For example, use glass jars for toothbrush holders, drinking glasses, or cut foods. You can purchase items second-hand or sell/donate items you’re not using.
Repair
Whenever possible, repair household appliances or furniture. Invest in quality clothing that you or the manufacturer can mend. Learn a new skill and repair your items.
Refurbish
Refurbishing is mostly a cosmetic process where the product is updated but isn’t taken apart and remanufactured, for example, refinishing furniture or fixtures or purchasing electronics that have been repaired or upgraded.
Recycle
Separate and sort your recyclables. Properly clean out jars and take off labels. Other factors to consider are the quality or purity of the material, if your community has a recycling facility and if that facility accepts or wants the materials.
Recover
Recover mostly applies to industry, for example, energy capture when waste is incinerated. At home, you can recover and return nutrients back to soils by composting organic matter (food scraps, leaves, grass clippings). Or recover materials by removing recyclable parts from products going into the trash.
Support Purpose-Driven Businesses
A number of businesses are coming up with innovative ways to incorporate circular economy principles into their businesses. They are redesigning how they operate to feedback into the loop in a way that supports the triple bottom line: profits, people, and the planet. When you support purpose-driven businesses, you are taking back the power of how and what systems you support.
Want to be a conscious consumer? Start making informed buying decisions with this cheat sheet!