For the month of June, we explore the similarities between the Circularity of natural processes and the potential synergy with the concept of a Circular Economy.
Each shares the fundamental principle of sustainability and resource efficiency. In nature, materials cycle continuously through various systems, with waste from one process becoming the input for another. This mirrors the circular economy’s goal of creating closed-loop systems where products and materials are reused, remanufactured, or recycled, minimizing waste and environmental impact. Economically, this approach reduces the need for raw materials and lowers production costs, driving innovation and creating new business opportunities. Both natural processes and the circular economy emphasize maintaining the value and utility of resources for as long as possible, promoting ecological balance, reducing environmental strain, and fostering economic resilience through sustainable practices.
Up and till now, humanity has often treated utilization of resources in a linear fashion: extract produce, use, dispose, either by burning, dumping or disposing in landfills. In this model, not only are we throwing away a lot of resources, but we are also wasting also a lot of money. This is not sustainable for the environment nor for the economy. To quote Quote Soukeyna Gueye, Project Manager for Ellen McArthur Foundation. “We extract more resources from our planet than our planet can replenish” so we need1.6 earths to be able to feed all of us but also to provide resources. We only have one planet earth. Everything we make in this economy is designed for a throwaway culture….”
“A Circular economy is based on three key principles:
- design our waste and pollution
- Keep materials in use
- Regenerate natural systems.”
…….”and when you apply these principles there’s an opportunity to capture this multi-trillion economic opportunity while also tackling some of the biggest challenges that we face today around climate change biodiversity loss and plastic pollution.”
In this 2-part YouTube documentary, produced by CNA Insider, we explore the economic and sustainable opportunities and benefits of a circular economy.
Rethinking The World’s Waste: Circular Economy | Climate for Change: Closing the Loop | 2 Episodes. Author: CNA Insider. Published: 2022.