First, is it important to emphasize the idea that the paradigm of the current economic model of production and management of resources, goods and services is based on?Produce, use and dispose?may be obsolete. In fact, there is evidence to support this hypothesis, from there we will talk about the circular economy today.
We can see that the current system, by many of its dynamics, clashes with the idea of long-term sustainable development, and is also a risk to nature, among other things because there is no waste in nature. a continuous function, are used and reused in their various stages.
- This is how we come to the idea of a circular economy.
- The new paradigm that could replace the current one.
- The purpose of this article is to study its characteristics.
- Principles.
- Importance and advantages.
- We’ll develop the next topic.
The circular economy takes as its starting point the cyclical model of nature, a system that advocates the use of resources, reducing production to the minimum required and reusing the elements.
The production of products made from biodegradable materials is encouraged so that they can return to their natural state without causing environmental damage or exhausting their shelf life.
Assuming that there are no biodegradable materials, the objective will be to achieve a separation in which the components of the product can be rejoined to the production cycle, if this is not possible, they must be recycled respecting the environment.
Thus, we see that the essence of the circular economy is restorative and regenerative. In fact, the term “circular” is of particular importance because a continuous cycle of positive development is being created, which preserves and improves natural capital.
The circular economy is based on the reconstruction of financial, manufactured, social, human or natural capital. In this way, it guarantees an improvement in the flow of goods and services. Is this value circle created based on the following principles:
As mentioned above, the linear production system that dominates the global economy is currently limited in terms of resource use, as well as having a strong social and environmental impact.
For example, many experts have expressed concern that reducing resource use and the use of renewable energy will not be sufficient to address current environmental challenges.
Linear models are based on fluctuating prices and contribute to environmental degradation, which affects the basic principles of development, so we see that the circular economy approach, based on innovation and long-term resilience, brings countless benefits.
First, it is beneficial for users and businesses, companies implementing the circular system have shown that reusing resources is more cost-effective than creating them from scratch: production prices are falling.
As a result, the selling price is also reduced, which benefits the consumer socially and economically.
In the European Union, the measures advocated by the circular economy could generate savings of EUR 600 billion for businesses in the region. Currently, the extraction of raw materials has important consequences for the environment. These companies would reduce total annual greenhouse gas emissions by between 2% and 4%.
As the world’s population grows, demand for raw materials increases, which is limited. The circular economy could help reduce pressure on the environment and improve the security of raw material supply.
The system could also lead to a reduction in other countries’ dependence on certain raw materials.
It would also increase competitiveness, growth, innovation and employment. It is estimated that up to 580,000 jobs will be created in the European Union if the implementation of this system were improved, as well as the production of innovative and more sustainable goods.
Eliminating programmed obsolescence could improve everyone’s quality of life.