Circular Sustainability-My new found knowledge-The Solution


 

A sustainable circular economy involves designing and promoting products that last and that can be reused, repaired and remanufactured. This retains the functional value of products, rather than just recovering the energy or materials they contain and continuously making products anew.

The circular economy approach will use fewer resources and energy, while at the same time being more carbon-efficient and maximising waste reduction. It means designing out waste from the beginning, rather than relying solely on waste recycling at the end of the chain.

Over the last 150 years, our industrial economy has been dominated by a one-way model of production and consumption in which goods are manufactured from raw materials, sold, used, and then incinerated or discarded to landfills. This approach is unsustainable by its very nature. This linear structure is based on two large assumptions: boundless availability of resources (energy and raw materials) and a limitless regenerative capacity of the Earth.

By 2050, the population on Earth will achieve approximately 9 billion people, and unless we can find a way to decouple economic growth from the rate of consumption of natural resources, the economy will require about three times the resources we currently use. This trend will increase CO2 emissions and waste production and push us beyond the earth’s regenerative capacity. In the face of global socio-economic and environmental challenges, there is a fundamental need for an alternative to our current linear economic model. We need to embrace the ‘Circular Economy.

“The circular economy refers to an industrial economy that is restorative by intention; aims to rely on renewable energy; minimises, tracks, and eliminates the use of toxic chemicals; and eradicates waste through careful design.” (Ellen MacArthur Foundation)



The circular economy approach will use less resources and energy, while at the same time being more carbon efficient and maximising waste reduction. It means designing out waste from the beginning, rather than relying solely on waste recycling at the end of the chain. 

How does Circular economy contribute to sustainable development?

Circular economy practices such as reduce, redesign, reuse, repair, remanufacturing and recycling are directly aligned with achieving SDG 12 (Sustainable Production and Consumption) by employing new technologies and business models, reducing the amount of unsustainable products that is produced and bought, sharing and ...


Circular economy practices such as reduce, redesign, reuse, repair, remanufacturing and recycling are directly aligned with achieving SDG 12 (Sustainable Production and Consumption) by employing new technologies and business models, reducing the amount of unsustainable products that is produced and bought, sharing and repairing, designing out waste and safely managing toxic substances. As a result, resource efficiency can be improved and pressure reduced on the natural environment.
Circular economy can help to achieve many other SDG targets too

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

:The circular economy includes regenerative agricultural practices that restore soils and new innovations such as hydroponic gardening, which together with reducing the amount of food we waste and sustainable diets are key to reducing malnutrition and eliminating hunger.

SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing & SDG 13 Climate Action

 Low-carbon circular mobility solutions to cut urban air pollution and reduce toxic waste and effluents from industrial activity can contribute to the good health and well-being of communities.

SDG 6: Clean water and sanitisation

Many circular economy solutions exist for the water and sanitation sector that can enable safe drinking water and sanitation services for millions of people currently without access.

SDG 9: Industry,Innovation and infrastructure

New circular business models based on digital solutions, additive manufacturing such as 3D printing and new logistics systems to close resource loops, are key elements for resilient and sustainable economies.

SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities

Improving housing conditions in informal settlements through affordable modular building solutions and promoting low-carbon transport solutions can make cities and communities better places to live.

https://circulareconomy.earth/publications/the-circular-economy-and-the-sdgs#:~:text=Improving%20housing%20conditions%20in%20informal%20settlements%20through%20affordable%20modular%20building%20solutions%20and%20promoting%20low%2Dcarbon%20transport%20solutions%20can%20make%20cities%20and%20communities%20better%20places%20to%20live.

Bibliography
https://theconversation.com/what-a-sustainable-circular-economy-would-look-like-133808#:~:text=A%20sustainable%20circular%20economy%20involves,and%20continuously%20making%20products%20anew.
https://www.rpsgroup.com/insights/consulting-uki/circular-economy-the-cornerstone-of-sustainability/
https://circulareconomy.earth/publications/the-circular-economy-and-the-sdgs


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