Circular economy: what it is, benefits and examples

The continuous increase in the human population, added to the excessive consumption patterns typical of a linear economic model based on “use and throw away”, has not only led to the depletion of natural resources and the destruction of ecosystems, but also to the excessive generation of waste. As a result, the concept of “circular economy” was born, a new paradigm or model that seeks to modify the dominant production and consumption models in a way in which waste can be used as resources and re-enter the productive system. Thus, the value of materials and products is preserved for as long as possible. The circular economy is only possible if there is adequate waste management throughout the entire life cycle of a product.

The circular economy is based on three fundamental principles, including:

Preserve and improve natural capital

This principle seeks to use natural resources efficiently, prioritizing renewable ones and reducing the consumption of non-renewable raw materials. However, the circular economy is not limited only to optimizing the use of resources, but also promotes the regeneration of ecosystems, promoting practices that aim to strengthen and restore natural capital.

Optimize the use of resources

This principle focuses on extending the useful life of products and their components through strategies such as reuse, repair, reconditioning and recycling. Ecodesign plays a key role, since it allows the development of products that are more durable, easy to disassemble and with recoverable materials, thus facilitating their reintegration into the production cycle with the least possible loss of value.

Improve system efficiency

For the circular economy to work effectively, system performance needs to be optimized holistically. This involves minimizing negative externalities, such as waste and polluting emissions, and ensuring that byproducts of one industry can become inputs for another. A more efficient use of land, energy and natural resources is also sought, promoting synergies between the different actors involved in the process.

Among the benefits of the circular economy we find:

• Waste reduction and environmental protection: promoting practices such as separation at source, reuse and recycling allows materials to be returned to the market, significantly reducing the amount of waste that reaches final disposal. This not only reduces pressure on landfills and landfills, but also slows down the extraction of raw materials, minimizing the impact on ecosystems and biodiversity. Furthermore, by reducing the generation of waste and the use of new materials, greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, contributing to mitigating global climate change.
• Social inclusion: the circular economy promotes the integration of former informal recyclers into the waste management system, providing them with opportunities to formalize their work and improve their working conditions. This not only dignifies their work, but also allows them to access better income, social security and training, transforming waste recovery into a safer and more sustainable activity.
• It is a more energy efficient process: recycling and reuse processes typically require less energy than the production of goods from primary resources. For example, manufacturing recycled aluminum consumes up to 95% less energy compared to production from bauxite. Likewise, recycling plastic and glass can significantly reduce energy consumption in industry, reducing demand for fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Generates more resilient cities: the circular economy not only contributes to the mitigation of climate change, but also strengthens the adaptation capacity of the most vulnerable communities. By reducing the amount of waste that reaches final disposal, various environmental and health risks that affect nearby populations are reduced. First, reducing waste reduces the proliferation of vectors such as rodents and insects, which can transmit diseases, thus improving public health. In addition, it prevents the accumulation of volatile waste that can clog drains and stormwater systems, reducing the risk of waterlogging and flooding in times of heavy rain.

• Production of biogas and compost from organic waste.
• Circular fashion programs for the reuse or recycling of clothing.
• Use of returnable containers.
• Recycling wood for the creation of benches in squares.
• Recycling of out-of-use tires for the production of new products.
• Development of bioplastics from corn starch or fruit peels, which are compostable and reduce plastic pollution.
• Use of recycled materials in construction, such as cement made from rubble or ecological bricks made from recycled plastics.

Now that you know what the circular economy is, you may be interested in this article about Sustainable Cities: what they are, characteristics and examples.

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