What Is The Circular Economy?
In this week's episode of 'What's Up In Waste' we take a look at two pivotal concepts redefining our relationship with waste: zero waste and the circular economy.
In this week's episode of 'What's Up In Waste' we take a look at two pivotal concepts redefining our relationship with waste: zero waste and the circular economy.
In This Episode:
- Understanding Zero Waste: We kick off the episode with an exploration of the zero waste philosophy. It's an ambitious goal aimed at redesigning our lifestyle and systems to ensure that no rubbish is sent to landfills, incinerators, or the ocean. The aim is for all products to be reused in a way that conserves resources and minimises harm to our planet.
- Diving into the Circular Economy: We take the discussion a step further by examining the circular economy, an economic system designed to eliminate waste altogether. Through reuse, sharing, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling, the circular economy seeks to create a closed-loop system, reducing the need for new resources and minimising environmental impacts.
- Comparing and Contrasting: How do zero waste and the circular economy differ, and how do they complement each other? While both aim for sustainability, they approach it from slightly different angles. This segment clarifies these differences and explores how they work together towards a common goal.
- The Benefits and Challenges: We delve into the immense benefits of adopting zero waste and circular economy practices, including environmental conservation, resource efficiency, and economic opportunities. However, the transition is not without its challenges, requiring shifts in societal norms, government policies, and industrial processes.
- Historical Roots: A look back at the origins of zero waste and the circular economy, tracing their development from the environmental movements of the 1970s to their current prominence as solutions to global sustainability challenges.
Sources:
The Circular Economy By Walter R. Stahel
Blue Economy By Gunter Pauli
Ellen Macarthur Foundation
Zero Waste International Alliance
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