Circular Economy
I think that circular economy is the most important ingredient to sustainability transitions. We are dependent on the natural resources provided by ecosystems. And they are limited. We need to move away from the linear economy where consuming more is thought to be the key to prosperity and wealth, because we will run out of things to consume. And then what?
Reusing, repairing, repurposing and recycling are the way forward. And it is not a new solution, it is something we need to learn to start doing again. It was not so long ago, when my grandparents were alive, and it was customary to make as much use of the little that they had. Things got repaired and repurposed and materials recycled. Not much was thrown away or wasted.
But in order for this to happen, circular economy needs to be accessible to all and reusing and repairing needs to be more affordable than buying new. And wealth should not only be measured by the things you own. Now, changing this will be more challenging.
With circular economy methods like sustainable and modular product design, platform and sharing economy models and by improving the recovery of materials and reducing the use of raw materials, greenhouse gas emissions can be mitigated which would then slow down the climate change. By harnessing renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels, to power all these processes would also reduce emissions. With less need of raw materials biodiversity loss can be slowed down and carbon sinks can increase.
This would require individuals to change their consuming habits. As well as international and national political guidance and conviction for companies and governments alike to steer away from linear economy and create opportunities for circular economy models. We have the necessary solutions already, now it’s about putting it all into practice.