A principle of the circular economy is to encourage customers to consume less by promoting resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable consumption patterns. The circular economy model seeks to minimize the use of raw materials and reduce waste by designing products to last longer, promoting reuse, recycling, and sharing, and encouraging more responsible consumption habits. It opposes the linear economy, where products are made, used, and discarded.
Key principles of the circular economy include:
Design out waste and pollution: Products are designed in a way that they can be reused, repaired, or recycled, thus reducing waste generation.
Keep products and materials in use: This involves extending the life cycle of products by encouraging repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling.
Regenerate natural systems: The circular economy aims to create positive environmental benefits, such as restoring biodiversity and reducing pollution through better resource management.
By encouraging consumers to use fewer resources, adopt durable products, and consider repair and recycling options, the circular economy promotes a sustainable future. This practice is essential to reduce the environmental impact associated with resource extraction and waste generation.
Environmental Sustainability References:
Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2017). What is the Circular Economy?
European Commission. (2020). A New Circular Economy Action Plan for a Cleaner and More Competitive Europe.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (2019). Circular Economy for Sustainable Development.
