What is a Circular Economy?

by The Green Living Detective 2,386 views0

what is a circular economy

Circular Economy is a term, like Sustainable Development, that keeps cropping up in my work. But I didn’t really understand what it meant in terms of the environment. So, I decided to try and get a better grasp of what a circular economy really is.

This turned out to be a little tricky. It means something a little different across industries, languages and cultures.

In fact, it has 114 different definitions and is also known as cradle to cradle, looped economy, circularity, regenerative designindustrial ecologybiomimicry, natural capitalism and blue economy.

At its root, a circular economy is a complete re-design of how our current economy works and is an alternative economic model, where we address waste in the planning process.

According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an organization focused entirely on educating and supporting circular economy efforts worldwide, there are three principles:

  • Design out waste and pollution
  • Keep products and materials in use
  • Regenerate natural systems

Waste Not

According to the research I found, the main idea behind a circular economy is that it doesn’t produce any waste.

Anything in the manufacturing process or in the product itself that might be “waste” is turned into something else or used in some way, like for fuel or energy.

But it’s more than just Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

A circular economy requires an entire system shift and to be truly successful, it must bring together businesses and governments.

I understand it as a method to achieve sustainable development. We can grow, we can advance, we can make things, consume things and buy things, but we can also produce no waste and not harm the environment.

“Close the Loop”

Of course, a true circular economy is about more than just the back-end of manufacturing and industry.

It also has to disassociate economic activity from using nonrenewable resources and any energy used must be sourced from renewable energy.

Eliminating the use of toxic chemicals is also part of it. Because toxic chemicals make it difficult for materials or products to be reused or returned to the environment, they can’t be used.

I find the entire idea pretty easy to imagine when the product is something biological or consumable, right? Products like cotton, wood or food can go back into the system through composting or other methods.

The process gets a little less clear for me when imagining technical cycles or durables, things like engines and computers. Somehow, these must be redesigned from square one to be able to be restored, reused, repaired or repurposed.

Seems like a tall order to me.

Is a circular economy really possible?

Critics claim the entire idea of a circular economy is incredibly simplistic. It’s just a collection of vague ideas across a scattering of industries, has too many barriers, and insists we need more conclusive, scientific evidence to demonstrate the actual positive environmental impacts.

Another barrier is the disconnect between economics and the environment. Currently, the main goal of a circular economy is not sustainability, but economic prosperity. And unlike sustainable development, social equality and future generations isn’t a part of the model.

But, like with a lot of new ideas, the circular economy definition and concept can frequently be misunderstood or not entirely grasped.

And, I have to admit, on the surface, it seems a very sustainable idea, designed to encourage the end of the era of cheap oil and disposable materials.

Is this the future?

Advocates see a clean future, one with litter-free beaches and plastic-free oceans. They also insist it’s a simpler future, one with decisions about the end made at the beginning.

Simple, circular.

The other thing I like is the effort to unburden consumers to make “good choices.” Instead, a circular economy demands a better system from the outset.

And a lot of organizations, governments and big-businesses are jumping on board with that idea.

The EU is a clear front-runner in adopting the model and all across Europe many individual businesses, organizations and governments support a transition to a circular economy.

Despite that lack of hard scientific evidence, a recent report demonstrates the circular economy idea has moved beyond the proof of concept stage and the businesses who have implemented it are thriving.


Never Miss a Chance to Live a Little Greener…

Looking for a little inspiration without the guilt, scientific jargon, or political agenda? Signup for the Green Living Detective Newsletter and start living Your Greenest Life.

The Green Living Detective

One day, I just couldn't wash out the squishy peanut butter jar one more time. But I didn't know what was the most responsible way to get rid of it. So, I became the Green Living Detective. I spend the time doing rigorous research on green living questions so you don't have to. When I'm not the Green Living Detective, I am an environmental copywriter and mom of one kiddo who holds me to higher green living standards than I might do on my own. Progress Over Perfection, I keep telling her.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>