The concept of circular economy has become a crucial aspect of reaching sustainability goals. It can be said that the concept of circular economy and sustainability are two sides of one coin, and the basic aim of a circular economy is the efficient use of natural resources and recycling and reusing of these natural resources.
In this blog, we discover the meaning of the circular economy and how it is different and more sustainable than the linear economy and circular economy and sustainability are related to one another.
Linear Economy and Circular Economy
The linear economy follows the concept of ‘take-make-throwaway’ while a circular economy follows the concept of ‘reusing-repairing- recycling’; this is the biggest difference between the two. Resources and raw materials are harvested, processed, and typically employed for a defined purpose in a linear economy. The goods are either thermally recycled or disposed of once their useful lives are through. Thus, the term “disposable economy” is frequently used to describe the linear economy.
However, in a circular economy, materials are preserved in a cycle for as long as feasible. The materials are frequently used for a variety of tasks before being recycled once more. The circular economy positively impacts the environment since it generates less waste and requires less fossil fuel extraction.
Moreover, there are many different definitions of circular economy used by researchers and professionals. There may be various definitions of a circular economy, but one of its basic principles remains the same. The definition of circular economy mostly focuses on 3R’s; they are, reduce, reuse and recycle.
The circular economy would logically seem to be more environmentally friendly than the existing linear economic structure. Conserving resources and minimizing waste and leakage contribute to lessening the environmental pollution. Some contend that these presumptions are oversimplified and ignore the complexity of current systems and potential trade-offs.
How Are Circular Economy and Sustainability Related?
There are many reasons why the circular economy relates closely to environmental sustainability. The world is more sustainable when it follows a circular model of an economy. However, not all sustainability programs are circular.
While sustainability is more widely connected to people, the environment, and the economy, circularity primarily focuses on resource cycles. Sustainability and circularity have a long history of converging theories, models, and aspirations.
Moreover, A circular economy is a way of realizing sustainable development goals (SDGs). These are a collection of 17 interconnected global goals which are designed to be a global blueprint for achieving sustainability for all. These SDGs were set up in 2015 by the United Nations general assembly (UNGC) and These goals are set to be achieved by 2030. Circular economy and sustainability are imperative in achieving these goals.
In particular, there is a strong relationship between the goal SDG 6, which is access to clean water, SDG 7, which is affordable and clean energy and SDG 8, which is achieving sustainable economic growth. Recycling domestic garbage, e-waste, and wastewater are examples of circular economy components that pave an easy way for meeting the SDGs.
Realize Your Sustainability Objectives with Skilled Professionals
Sustainability is a broad subject, and many small aspects of a business build-up to create a truly sustainable firm. Planning your sustainability initiatives and actually executing them are two entirely different things. In order to successfully execute your goals, you will need the assistance of a skilled professional that can guide your steps in the right direction. These sustainability experts can help you identify your goals and devise strategies that best suit your needs.