Have you heard about circular economy? A present-day buzzword, circular economy outlines a system-focused approach to achieving environmental sustainability. Simply put, circular economy is an upgrade to a traditional linear economy model that focuses on the concept of take, make, and waste. Unfortunately, the time-tested cycle of production and consumption has contributed to overwhelming quantities of waste across the globe. Are you aware of the stats? Let’s read:
1. Two billion tonnes of waste are produced every year
2. India alone generates over 62 million tonnes of waste annually
3. Plastic, electronics, batteries, glass, and food are the biggest contributors of waste to date.
In short, waste is a serious problem. Moreover, the rapid influx of industrialisation and technology has worsened the crisis. Hence, it is imperative to reduce waste to an absolute minimum. The question that arises now is how? Clearly, recycling is only half-good in treating and reducing waste by large. What’s more, the expenses of recycling and the lack of infrastructure bar the wide-scale adoption and implementation of recycling. Also, the waste streams contain umpteen amounts of non-recyclable materials. Recycling compound waste like such is difficult.
Do you know what’s worse? The lack of education in people. It is no secret that most people have either heard of or are slightly aware of recycling. Although most people reckon recycling is a good habit, very few are truly aware of ways to embrace recycling as a practice. Moreover, recycling of waste is mostly performed by the unauthorized and informal sectors. Do you have any clue about the working conditions and safety hazards in places like such? Too much dust explosion, machine-related hazards, chemical exposure, and more – the risks associated with the informal recycling of waste are a few too many.
Why is circular economy a better alternative?
Of course, recycling has its downsides. But do you know what’s better and an effective alternative? Circular economy! Here’s why:
A circular flow of economic activity is a strategic and thoughtfully designed system that aims to eliminate waste from scratch. Wondering how? In a circular economy, no resources end up as recyclables or waste. Also, the system encourages producers to create products that are less resource intensive and last several lifecycles. The process naturally eliminates the creation of waste at the source.
So, what is circular economy?
Circular economy is a well-thought environmental protection strategy. The economic model involves reusing, refurbishing, and recycling materials to upkeep the value of products in a closed loop for long. In short, circular economy focuses on reducing wastage by repairing and reusing materials.
In addition to understanding what circular economy and sustainability are all about, it is crucial to know about the three driving principles of circular economy. These include:
1. Reducing waste
2. Increasing the circulation of products and resources in a closed loop
3. Restoring the natural systems to support regeneration.
Now that you are fairly versed in circular economy, aren’t you curious to learn how circular economy really works? Let’s find out:
How does a circular flow of economic activity work to create a sustainable planet?
1. Less waste and lesser pollution
Circular economy and sustainability design economic activities that reverse the adverse impacts of pollution on the environment and human health. For example, harmful greenhouse gas emissions are on the rise and lead to global crises like pollution, global warming, loss of biodiversity, and more. Hence, circular economy leverages technology and strategy to reduce the growing piles of waste, further contributing to the release of toxic greenhouse gas.
2. Prolongs the circulation of materials in a loop
In a circular economy, it’s all about sustainability. Hence, the system encourages producers to rethink designs using recyclable materials for better durability and enhanced use. The economy envisions slowing down the creation of waste and, eventually, pollution. Also, circular economy and sustainability encourage multiple uses for a single material to reduce waste and pollution.
3. Renewing the use of natural systems
If you are not already aware, circular economy ditch the idea of using any form of non-renewable sources of energy, including fossil fuels. The system encourages optimised use of renewable energy resources that is easy to recycle and easier to return all nutrients back to the environment.
To sum up, in a circular economy, nothing is a waste, and nothing is lost. Instead, everything is transformed into value-adding resources. PROs like Karo Sambhav are working round-the-clock to educate all about the importance of circular economy and sustainability. Embrace the change today and contribute to a better, healthy, and pollution-free planet.
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