In recent years, the idea of a “circular economy” has come to effectively counter the so-called “linear” economic system and has come to prominence as a way to address the problem of carbon emissions and waste.
Circularity has gained popularity among leaders of various “green” schools of thought and political institutions consider it a concrete answer all over the world.
Books have been written and projects implemented, because the circular economy is seen as a way to stimulate economic growth, promote innovation and generate employment.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is a leading authority on the circular economy.
For those wishing to learn more What is the difference between linear and circular model?, the choice is wide. The reference online magazine for the circular economy in Italy is “Tutto Intorno a Noi”.
An exciting editorial project where you can find useful ideas and advice for a green lifestyle.
What is the circular economy?
The circular economy is based on concepts such as zero waste, “cradle to cradle” and biomimicry.
In short, circularity breaks away from the linear “take-make-waste” economy to focus on creating economic value, while reducing environmental impact.
Attraverso:
- the design (or planning)
- better use of materials
- the efficient use of resources and energy
In particular, when we talk about circular economy we mainly refer to “material flows” and energy. It is often taken for granted that the circulation of certain resources can occur in a balanced manner within any economic system.
But is not so.
The circular economy teaches us that the demand for materials and energy must be considered in the context of the limits of a finite planet.
“Fine” in the sense that the earth is rich in nutrients, resources, minerals and energy that need time to renew themselves.
Human impact, therefore, must remain within these limits and leave some “breathing room” not only for humanity, but for millions of other species.
If the amount of resource and energy use continues to grow excessively, this same growth (including economic growth) will negate the gains that man could derive from the efficient and conscious use of resources.
What happens in the era of linear economy?
To continue to grow, a system dependent on the old linear economy must continually convert nature into goods and relationships into “services.”
Almost everything tends to turn into a monetized transaction.
However, according to current research, beyond a certain point the costs of ever-increasing growth create congestion.
Pollution, declining quality of life, inequality, destruction of ecosystems: these are some of the things that happen as a consequence of “growth at all costs”.
One example is the destruction of biodiversity, such as bees and their precious ability to pollinate, recently put at risk.
Costs, thus, begin to exceed benefits and economic growth becomes uneconomic growth.
Circularity and sustainable development
From a circular economy perspective, persisting with growth in a finite system, when growth no longer creates certain benefits and costs outweigh gains, is dangerous.
This is the main goal of awareness and change, from the linear to the circular system.
The consequences of the linear economy practiced so far, among other things, are in stark contrast with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This has been recognized with the emergence of concepts such as “green growth”.
It assumes that we can still have growth, provided that it is more -ecological- or more environmentally responsible.
The idea, especially in the case of the circular economy, is that we can “decouple” the production of ever new materials and energy exploitation from economic growth.
That is, we can reduce the demand for resources and energy, while continuing to grow, compatible with the needs of the environment in which we live.
For example, materials can continue to circulate by being designed to be disassembled and remanufactured, or kept in use longer by being designed for durability.
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