A circular economy seeks to optimize how we use resources. To do this, we must control how we utilize both renewable and non-renewable energy and materials throughout their entire life cycles. By keeping products and components operating at peak efficiency through regenerative, restorative practices, we could completely detach economic growth from consumption. Although a circular economy would impact society by improving people's lives and creating opportunities, the benefits to the environment could very well save the planet.
A Circular Economy Will Reduce Consumption
One of the hallmarks of a circular economy is its focus on renewable energy and resources. Estimates suggest that we would need 1.5 Earths to maintain our current resource expenditures over the next several generations. Therefore, a circular economy seeks to dematerialize as much human behavior as possible.
For example, instead of reading a paper book or watching plastic Blu-Rays, we could resort to eReaders and streaming services powered by renewable energy. Furthermore, online shopping indirectly dematerializes our behavior, as it removes travel from the equation. Finally, for activities that require non-renewable expenditures, a circular economy prioritizes more advanced and efficient resource use like hybrid and electric vehicles.
We Can Reduce Emissions And Regenerate The Biosphere
What makes the circular economy circular? Proponents of this model recognize two different life cycles – technical and biological. The technical cycle is the life of a non-renewable resource from extraction, through use, and (preferably) to recovery and restoration. On the other hand, the biological cycle is the flow of renewable resources through consumption to regeneration. These cycles aim to reduce greenhouse gas and carbon emissions and regenerate our biosphere.
Our current linear economic model focuses on a "take, make, dispose" mentality. For example, you may have bought a dishwasher entirely made from non-renewable materials – metal, plastic, etc. Then, after years of use, you had it hauled off to a landfill and purchased a new one. In the circular economic model, you would have bought a dishwasher made of remanufactured components built from recycled materials. Moreover, when you got rid of it, you would have sent the dishwasher to a facility that would demanufacture it into usable building blocks for a new product. Studies have shown that remanufacturing yields much lower carbon and greenhouse gas emissions than initial manufacturing.
A circular economy likewise seeks to extract usable biomaterials from waste products. For example, livestock manure, municipal sewage, household food waste, and other food-production byproducts can yield many valuable products through anaerobic digestion. Biogas can generate bioplastics and is a source of renewable natural gas for heat and electricity. Moreover, anaerobic digestion can produce organic fertilizer, returning nutrients to the soil and helping to regenerate the biosphere.
Circular Economic Models Protect Human Health And Preserve Biodiversity
Numerous studies have shown the adverse effects of our linear economy on the environment. Congestion of the land and air causes a waste of time and resources, but it also releases toxins into our neighborhoods and animal habitats. A circular economy intends to reclaim control of our ecosystem. We can retain and even restore the health of disproportionately affected communities and delicate natural ecosystems.
A circular economy prioritizes smart design, from the first extraction of a resource to what happens when it is no longer useful. Essentially, it strives to remove waste from the means of production. As the levels of waste go down, so will the deleterious effects on human and animal health and well-being. In addition, there will be less collateral damage to our physical and social infrastructures such as transportation, housing, education, healthcare, and entertainment.
By focusing on localized renewable energy and remanufacturing, a circular economy will simplify the supply chain, reducing the volume and cost of long-distance transportation. Fewer large trucks on the road and transport ships on the sea will release fewer toxins into our ecosystems. Consequently, the increased air and water quality will yield positive effects on human and animal health, particularly in areas hardest hit by climate change.
The Environment Demands A Circular Economy
A circular economy operates under three main principles. First, it seeks to control resources. This means husbanding non-renewables to the greatest extent possible. Also, it means focusing on local harvesting of renewable energy and materials.
Second, we need to impose a circular life cycle on as many products and consumer goods as possible. This requires recycling and remanufacturing products made from metal and plastic. Moreover, it requires extracting biomaterials from waste and returning them to the environment.
Finally, we must remove the waste that impacts our health and endangers delicate ecosystems. A circular economy focuses on smart design, getting the most out of every resource, and letting nothing go to waste.
Key Takeaways
Businesses can start to dematerialize their services and workflow without help from anyone. They can strive to reduce travel requirements, begin to deliver services virtually, and source products more responsibly.
Some businesses are starting to offer free pick-up of used appliances with the purchase of a new one. Then, they either sell the used machines to new companies specializing in recycling or remanufacturing. Alternatively, some are moving to start in-house remanufacturing.
Businesses that put together a thorough plan to source materials responsibly, simplify their supply chain, and reduce waste can impact the health and well-being of their community. This goes double for companies in hard-hit urban areas or those who require resources from delicate ecosystems.
Businesses who transition to a circular economic model will help lower consumption, reduce emissions, and protect the biodiversity of our planet.
A circular economy seeks to optimize how we use resources. To do this, we must control how we utilize both renewable and non-renewable energy and materials throughout their entire life cycles. By keeping products and components operating at peak efficiency through regenerative, restorative practices, we could completely detach economic growth from consumption. Although a circular economy would impact society by improving people's lives and creating opportunities, the benefits to the environment could very well save the planet.
A Circular Economy Will Reduce Consumption
One of the hallmarks of a circular economy is its focus on renewable energy and resources. Estimates suggest that we would need 1.5 Earths to maintain our current resource expenditures over the next several generations. Therefore, a circular economy seeks to dematerialize as much human behavior as possible.
For example, instead of reading a paper book or watching plastic Blu-Rays, we could resort to eReaders and streaming services powered by renewable energy. Furthermore, online shopping indirectly dematerializes our behavior, as it removes travel from the equation. Finally, for activities that require non-renewable expenditures, a circular economy prioritizes more advanced and efficient resource use like hybrid and electric vehicles.
We Can Reduce Emissions and Regenerate the Biosphere
What makes the circular economy circular? Proponents of this model recognize two different life cycles – technical and biological. The technical cycle is the life of a non-renewable resource from extraction, through use, and (preferably) to recovery and restoration. On the other hand, the biological cycle is the flow of renewable resources through consumption to regeneration. These cycles aim to reduce greenhouse gas and carbon emissions and regenerate our biosphere.
Our current linear economic model focuses on a "take, make, dispose" mentality. For example, you may have bought a dishwasher entirely made from non-renewable materials – metal, plastic, etc. Then, after years of use, you had it hauled off to a landfill and purchased a new one. In the circular economic model, you would have bought a dishwasher made of remanufactured components built from recycled materials. Moreover, when you got rid of it, you would have sent the dishwasher to a facility that would demanufacture it into usable building blocks for a new product. Studies have shown that remanufacturing yields much lower carbon and greenhouse gas emissions than initial manufacturing.
A circular economy likewise seeks to extract usable biomaterials from waste products. For example, livestock manure, municipal sewage, household food waste, and other food-production byproducts can yield many valuable products through anaerobic digestion. Biogas can generate bioplastics and is a source of renewable natural gas for heat and electricity. Moreover, anaerobic digestion can produce organic fertilizer, returning nutrients to the soil and helping to regenerate the biosphere.
The best way for your business to meet its sustainability goals, build brand loyalty, and open new profit streams is to enter the circular economy.
Circular Economic Models Protect Human Health and Preserve Biodiversity
Numerous studies have shown the adverse effects of our linear economy on the environment. Congestion of the land and air causes a waste of time and resources, but it also releases toxins into our neighborhoods and animal habitats. A circular economy intends to reclaim control of our ecosystem. We can retain and even restore the health of disproportionately affected communities and delicate natural ecosystems.
A circular economy prioritizes smart design, from the first extraction of a resource to what happens when it is no longer useful. Essentially, it strives to remove waste from the means of production. As the levels of waste go down, so will the deleterious effects on human and animal health and well-being. In addition, there will be less collateral damage to our physical and social infrastructures such as transportation, housing, education, healthcare, and entertainment.
By focusing on localized renewable energy and remanufacturing, a circular economy will simplify the supply chain, reducing the volume and cost of long-distance transportation. Fewer large trucks on the road and transport ships on the sea will release fewer toxins into our ecosystems. Consequently, the increased air and water quality will yield positive effects on human and animal health, particularly in areas hardest hit by climate change.
The Environment Demands a Circular Economy
A circular economy operates under three main principles. First, it seeks to control resources. This means husbanding non-renewables to the greatest extent possible. Also, it means focusing on local harvesting of renewable energy and materials.
Second, we need to impose a circular life cycle on as many products and consumer goods as possible. This requires recycling and remanufacturing products made from metal and plastic. Moreover, it requires extracting biomaterials from waste and returning them to the environment.
Finally, we must remove the waste that impacts our health and endangers delicate ecosystems. A circular economy focuses on smart design, getting the most out of every resource, and letting nothing go to waste.
Marketing Takeaways
Businesses can start to dematerialize their services and workflow without help from anyone. They can strive to reduce travel requirements, begin to deliver services virtually, and source products more responsibly.
Some businesses are starting to offer free pick-up of used appliances with the purchase of a new one. Then, they either sell the used machines to new companies specializing in recycling or remanufacturing. Alternatively, some are moving to start in-house remanufacturing.
Businesses that put together a thorough plan to source materials responsibly, simplify their supply chain, and reduce waste can impact the health and well-being of their community. This goes double for companies in hard-hit urban areas or those who require resources from delicate ecosystems.
