The idea of circular economics is becoming increasingly important in our world today, where we face many environmental obstacles and dwindling resources. Sometimes called the circular economy, it offers a fresh approach that differs from the old "take, make, dispose" way of doing things. Instead, it strives for a restorative system that reduces waste and optimizes efficiency in using resources.
At its core, circular economics envisions a closed-loop system where resources are continually recycled and reused. This shift contrasts with the linear economy, reducing reliance on finite resources and minimizing environmental impact. Circular economics emphasizes the design of products with longevity in mind. Durable, repairable, and upgradable goods are encouraged, reducing the frequency of disposal.
Understanding the Paradigm Shift
Not too long ago there was a shift in product quality and how those products were packaged. Milk at one point had been delivered in glass bottles. The only waste created in the transaction was what ended up coming out of the dairy consumer. The crate and glass containers were returned to the business to be reused.
Parents used to take their kids to a repair shop nearby whenever household items needed fixing - from toasters to vacuum cleaners. The point of these places was to extend the life of these goods, preventing their premature disposal and doing our bit to reduce waste. Not only did these establishments help families save money, but they also played a critical role in waste reduction. To be clear, this process is part of a linear economy, but it shows you how society was unwilling to waste.
On the other hand, the present economy has an abundance of unnecessary waste and frequently glorifies industries that lead to extreme waste. One such industry is known as "fast fashion". This term refers to the rapid production and quick turnover of inexpensive clothing. The problem lies with the quality or lack thereof. These clothes tend to wear out in less than a year, rendering them too worn out to donate. This often leads to overflowing landfills like the one shown in the picture below. According to an analysis by Business Insider, fashion production comprises 10% of total global carbon emissions, while 85% of all textiles go to dumps each year.
Key Principles of Circular Economics
Extended Product Life Cycle Sharing Economy Waste as a Resource
In contrast, with circular economics products are designed with a long life cycle in mind, promoting reduced overall consumption while repair and refurbishment are encouraged to extend the usefulness of goods. Though a higher price tag doesn't necessarily guarantee longevity, it can serve as a helpful guide when purchasing essentials like clothing.
Circular economics also champions the idea of sharing resources and services. Collaborative consumption models like car-sharing or tool libraries demonstrate the positive impact of the sharing economy. Imagine being able to borrow an expensive gadget for a short project, without having to spend a fortune on buying one. Or, consider a seed library in your community that allows you to bypass the intermediaries, costs, and waste tied to purchasing seeds from a store.
Waste isn't necessarily a problem; it can be a valuable resource waiting to be tapped. Recycling and upcycling processes unlock the hidden worth of materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Let's take leaves, for example. The majority of those living in a location with deciduous trees spend their time raking leaves, or their money paying someone else to do it, instead of using them as a natural and free fertilizer. Do yourself and your yard a favor, leave the leaves.
Benefits of Circular Economics
Resource extraction and waste production reduction are crucial for environmental conservation. Circular systems are a key part of this process. They work by reducing pollution and carbon emissions that come with linear systems. By transitioning to a circular economy, we can reduce global pollution levels. This will prevent harmful waste from impacting people's health and lead to long-term health benefits. Through circular economics, new job opportunities arise in sectors such as recycling, remanufacturing, and repair, providing economic resilience while fostering innovation and promoting local sustainable industries. These practices seek to strengthen and grow the middle class. When you spend money on local businesses, that money gets put back into your local economy instead of going to an out-of-state or out-of-country conglomerate. These sectors will also open opportunities to neurodiverse individuals who find it difficult and/or irritating to work in a white-collar role. Moreover, businesses that adopt circular practices can save money by reducing raw material expenses and waste management costs. Consumers also enjoy benefits from products designed for longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Challenges and Future Outlook
To shift businesses and consumers towards a circular mindset, it's essential to raise awareness and overcome resistance. Educating these groups on the benefits of circular principles and advocating for transformative change are crucial steps. Success relies on people being aware and aligned with the benefits of this shift, highlighting the critical roles of education and advocacy. The more people who understand this knowledge, the better our chances of a successful shift.
It's important to keep in mind that we need to invest in recycling infrastructure and innovative technologies for the circular economy to evolve. The continuous progress in materials science and waste management are crucial elements for this progress.
“It won’t be easy, but we owe it to future generations. We need to cut carbon and protect biodiversity. We need to improve water and air quality. And we need to protect material supplies.” states Sandra Onwijn, Head of unit Circular Economy at Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management of The Netherlands
Conclusion: A Path Forward
The concept of circular economy aims to establish a self-sustaining system for all resources that goes beyond mere material recycling. In order to achieve this, it is necessary for us to reassess the creation of value and the reasons why certain things are regarded more highly than others. For example, when it comes to fallen leaves, many of us believe that they are nothing but waste that needs to be cleared from our yards. However, the truth is, they are a precious resource that can be easily recycled on site. As a matter of fact, if we let the leaves be, they will serve as a habitat and a source of food, and in the end, will decompose into nutrients that will feed the tree from which they fell, facilitating the growth of new leaves and seeds.
By comprehending this process, the leaves become more valuable to us. The worth of leaves increases even more when we learn that they make an excellent replacement for fertilizers and mulches. Being knowledgable that modifying our gardening routine can help us save money puts a tangible monetary value on leaves. To close economy the loop, we can take action simply by leaving the leaves where they fall or reusing them on the same land.
Ultimately, the goal is to mimic nature so that society can protect the environment while achieving sustainable growth. The circular economy calls for a complete overhaul of current production processes and to innovative business models which increase materials' longevity and reduce waste. Embracing this new economy model is not just an option, but a shared responsibility to build a more sustainable and resilient future as we confront environmental challenges.
You can start this journey right from your very own yard!
To get you started:
Introduce yourself in the comments and let me know what you think about circular economics.
Repurpose: Make your own planters, seed trays, and tools. I use toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, cardboard boxes, etc. as biodegradable seed pots.
Make planters on your porch or balcony from recycled pallets, wash bins, car rims, etc. Get creative, there are plenty of ways to disguise repurposed items.
Leave the leaves:
The best option, leave them where they lie (so long as it's not on impermeable surfaces).
The second best option, slightly crumble with your hands and spread around your garden beds.
If you are unable to do either of the first two options, you can enrich your soil by composting fallen leaves and yard clippings.
Once you're done:
Take a picture..
Post it on social media.
Tag us @NatureOlogies
Download the FREE printable, 10 Reasons to Leave the Leaves, available on my Resources page.
BONUS!
If you've mastered the steps above, here are two things you can do to take it to the next level.
Go old school - ditch the power tools and instead use some good old-fashioned elbow grease. Try using the tools your grandparents used.
Water-wise gardening - Check out how to optimize your water use here.
Happy Gardening!
References
Business Insider, The fashion industry emits more carbon than international flights and maritime shipping combined. Here are the biggest ways it impacts the planet. by Morgan McFall-Johnsen Oct 21, 2019
Infographic image adapted from the Mayor of London Design for a Circular Economy Primer
We leave our leaves all the time! As for repurposing I love the idea of using our biodegradable egg cartons for all the seeds when your dad gets his garden ready! I’ll give him those to use and use for all the flowers we want to plant in the spring. No pics to post yet but I’ll try to remember. When we redo the front garden and remake the front porch will reuse items and post! Thanks for all these ideas!