Thoughts on Circular Economy!
Circular economy is different from a traditional linear economy, in linear economy raw materials are collected, processed, or manufactured and finally transformed into products, these products are used till the end, then discarded as waste. Linear economy does not focus much on sustainability, consequences of the product- waste whereas, a circular economy prioritizes waste reduction through repair, reuse, and reduction. It focuses on restoring & regeneration. This means keeping waste to a minimum. When a product reaches the end of its life, it is recycled. These can be used productively again and again, generating additional value.
A great alternative to the traditional linear economy based on a take-make-consume-throw-away cycle.
Waste prevention, eco-design, and re-use can save money while lowering total annual greenhouse gas emissions. According to research reports, certain industries have re-thought and redesigned their manufacturing process. They adopted the idea of circular economy, they made better choice in their raw materials and even recollected used products. To name a few brands which adopted this concept in some or the other way are Nike, Adidas, IKEA, Philips, H&M etc.
Circular economy embraces sustainability, hence moving towards this idea could reduce pressure on the environment, improving the security of the supply of raw materials, increasing competitiveness, stimulating innovation, boosting economic growth.
We all can choose sustainability and can make small contribution in saving our planet, we can minimize the use of single-used plastics, can follow slow fashion, can buy second hand products, can donate old products (if they are in good condition) before throwing them away, re-using products. Above all using compostable or plant-based packaging products. The steps which we take today will help us in shaping better future.