Create a Circular Economy
A circular economy is essential for fighting climate change.
In a circular economy, resources are kept in a closed loop. A closed loop reduces the pressure on natural resources, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and creates more economic opportunities. This aims to minimize pollution and waste, extend product lifecycles, and enable broad sharing of physical and natural assets. However, it is also important to acknowledge that even though these practices can significantly reduce plastic pollution and waste, all plastic produced eventually becomes non-biodegradable waste, which frequently ends up in landfills, or our oceans, and waterways [1].
The concept of a circular economy champions the design of closed-loop systems and the circularity of resources, so that raw materials remain in the supply chain [2]. Restorative and regenerative by design, and aims to keep products, components, and materials at their highest utility and value at all times. It is a continuous positive development cycle that preserves and enhances our economy and minimizes risk by managing earth’s finite resources [3].
To be effective, it will require decoupling economic development from environmental degradation while ensuring that the transition to green economies creates opportunities and promotes well-being for all [4].
Material extraction and use amount to 70 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. through efficient and more circular use of materials in just four key industrial materials (cement, steel, plastics, and aluminum), circular economy strategies can help reduce global GHG emissions by 40 percent by 2050.
A circular economy strives for a competitive economy that creates green and decent jobs and keeps resource use within planetary boundaries. The United Nations Economic Cooperation and Trade Division identified five entry points for successful circular economies. They are waste management (e.g. in agriculture and food sectors); sustainable and innovation-enhancing public procurement; traceability of value chains; standards and regulatory frameworks; and efficiency of trade and logistics chains. [5]
climate change contributions:
CONSUMER BEHAVIOR
Individuals play an important role in the circular economy because they can make choices that support circular processes by choosing products that are durable, repairable, and recyclable, and by disposing of products properly at the end of their life. Individuals can also support companies that have circular business models, such as those that offer repair and refurbishment services, and those that use recycled materials. [1]
From clothing to tech or furniture, the less we need to throw away the better and buying better quality can help us reduce the waste we produce. [1]
We can choose products made from recycled or renewable materials, which can help stimulate demand for these materials and promote a circular economy. For example, an increasing number of brands use post-consumer waste to produce new products. Reuse of “waste” reduces the carbon footprint of those items. [1]
Only around 10% of peer-reviewed articles on the subject of circular economy focus on the importance of customers and consumption, so academics have suggested that raising awareness of the issues to customers is the key to implementing circular business models. An effective circular business model relies on mindful consumption based on needs and a focus on affordability so that everyone can access sustainable products. Businesses should more effectively make changes to how they communicate with customers and what they can offer at all income levels. [1]
climate change contributions:
food systems
A circular economy for food could reduce the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions by 49%, or 5.6 billion tonnes of CO2, by 2050. [4] [6]
In a circular economy, food is produced regeneratively in a manner that includes crop diversity, organic farming, rotation, and soil regeneration to support the overall health of the local ecosystem, promote human health, and protect natural habitats.
Diversity is key. Whether all crops are harvestable or some are grown year-round, crop diversity can provide health, environmental, and business benefits. [6]
Reconnecting cities and rural communities with surrounding agricultural areas and food supply (eating local and seasonally) a circular economy for food builds resilience in the food system and improves food security. [6]
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Stop burning fossil fuels and putting excess greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere
Get involved with organizations working to protect, restore, and provide education about watersheds and forest systems in your local community
Urge community and political leaders to propose ambitious policies for waste reduction and nature-based agriculture
Push for and support policies for waste reduction and nature-based agriculture
Speak up at your workplace to make waste reduction a collective issue
Advocate for waste reduction and nature-based agriculture in your organization
Talk to friends about the need for waste reduction and nature-based agriculture
Attend or arrange events or communities for waste reduction and nature-based agriculture
Shift towards a more plant-rich diet
Plan meals, write shopping lists, use portion-sizing tools for rice and pasta and cook with leftovers
Buy only what you can eat or save
Embrace ‘ugly’ fruit and vegetables
Store food to maximize freshness, including by freezing food when appropriate
Donate clothes, technology, and other items you no longer use to services who can distribute them to those in need
Compost food scraps
Ask grocery stores, restaurants, and hotels to tackle food loss and shop with those who lead the way
Eat seasonally and locally when possible
References:
https://www.earthday.org/circular-economy-and-the-role-of-consumer-behavior/Zero Waste, Zero Waste vs. Circular Economy A Guide, www.zerowaste.com/blog/zero-waste-vs-circular-economy-a-guide/Ellen MacArthur Foundation, What is a Circular Economy? www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overviewUnited Nations, Environment Programme, Resource Efficiency, www.unep.org/explore-topics/resource-efficiencyUnited Nations, Development Programme, What is circular economy and why does it matter?www.climatepromise.undp.org/news-and-stories/what-is-circular-economy-and-how-it-helps-fight-climate-changeEllen MacArthur Foundation, Five benefits of a circular economy for food, www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/articles/five-benefits-of-a-circular-economy-for-foodUnited Nations, Circular Econoomy, www.unece.org/trade/CircularEconomyRegeneration, Waste Nothing,www.regeneration.org/nexus/wasting-nothing
