According to Foundation for the circular economy, who are "The circular economy is an economic concept that is interrelated with sustainability, and whose objective is that the value of products, materials and resources are maintained in the economy for as long as possible, reducing waste to a minimum. Therefore, could you say what the benefits of the circular economy are?
An An economy that takes advantage of, reuses and recycles the products that are manufactured as much as possible is always a positive thing. What we often don't know is what the level of that positivity is. Something that we are going to correct below.
The goal of the circular economy
After the definition of the circular economy, it is clear that its main objective is make a product used as much as possible and that their waste becomes resources and raw materials used for other products.
This will help the environment and the planet itself not only to regenerate, but also to maintain more responsible consumption and a longer useful life, instead of excessive consumerism. But it is not the only thing that the circular economy achieves. There are actually many benefits that you should take into account.
The benefits of the circular economy
If the circular economy were applied 100% and throughout the planet, the benefits that would be obtained are many, varied and effective. We talk to you about them below:
Protect the environment
One of the principles of the circular economy is to try to use natural resources as little as possible, in such a way that the planet is left alone so that it can regenerate. Now, that does not mean using other resources that can pollute more, no. We are committed to non-polluting renewable energies, the minimization of waste generation, the limitation of energy consumption...
In turn, the products themselves, their components and materials, would become raw materials to make others, thereby reusing everything as much as possible to achieve a more productive and healthy life cycle.
Secure the supply of raw materials
Taking into account that there is currently a shortage of raw materials, and that these can reach prohibitive prices that not only factories have to pay, but consumers also feel it with price increases, the circular economy would help create a security of supply so as not to have to depend on import or export, but to create a source of local raw materials through local waste itself.
Reduction of annual greenhouse gas emissions
In this case we rely on data. According to the European Environment Agency, Industrial processes (factories, industrial warehouses, etc.) generate 9,10% of greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union.
In the case of the waste management we cannot say that they do not generate greenhouse gases, yes they do. But the percentage of these is much lower than that of the factories, only 3,32%.
Of course, These data must be taken with a grain of salt because we are comparing under a disparity. And we play "devil's advocate", we explain: right now the industry is quite broad, while waste management is not so broad. Therefore, it would be necessary to see if, at the same level (same number of factories and waste management companies) the percentage would continue to be lower and to what extent.
Products are more durable
Surely you have realized, or perhaps you have been told, that Before, products lasted much longer. And the truth is that it is like that. Now it seems that many products have a short lifespan (sometimes one or two years) to force you to continually change. And that means consuming raw materials, energy...
In the case of the circular economy, one of the benefits is extend the useful life so as not to have to consume new raw materials, energy, waste... If we combine this with the fact that the entire product is reused to make new ones (of the same or others), nothing will have to be consumed.
More sustainable consumption habits
In the sense that, if more sustainable products are offered, there will be more responsible consumption. Not only that, but people will think more about real needs and buy based on them, not for what is material, but for what is truly useful.
Boost to R+D+I
Because the products are recycled and used at the same time as raw materials for others, it is required to promote research, development and innovation programs to achieve new forms of recycling, reuse, waste management, transformation...
For example, imagine that a cell phone is recycled in a certain way. But with a research program, the conclusion is reached that there is another method to recycle, consuming less and obtaining better results.
Allocating money to research is always positive because it helps create better results and advance and evolve.
Savings in manufacturing costs and in customer products
Another benefit of the circular economy is, without a doubt, the savings in manufacturing costs. Since the products can be reused and recycled, becoming raw materials, we achieve that what it costs to manufacture a product is lower.
But not only do we stop there, but consumers would also notice by having quality products but at a lower price.
The local economy is boosted
Instead of depending on other countries to obtain raw materials or the products they manufacture, the circular economy aims to benefit the country in which it is established.
You'll see, Instead of ordering or importing, what is done is trying to convert local waste into something useful, such as raw materials to manufacture other products. In such a way that the country's economy would improve because it would not depend on buying abroad but on investing in the country itself.
As you can see, the benefits of the circular economy are many and very positive for the planet. So, why do you think this type of economy is not established in countries?