Reduce, Reuse and Recycle is a slogan which we have been taught extensively. I remember the first time I was introduced to these terms, when a recycling organization visited our primary school. I got a frisbee with a big recycling sign on it and was so happy with my recycled plastic toy. Maybe you remember ‘Ronnie the Recycler’ visiting your school or workplace, or the collection of plastic bread tags for various charities. Regardless of how you might have been introduced to this slogan, I am sure that the message behind it included the increasing importance of reducing resource use and waste, reusing our products and recycling our resources.
Today, this reduce, reuse and recycle slogan has evolved even further, into the theory of a circular economy. You might have heard this term before, or it might be completely foreign to you. In this blog post we will explore the theory behind ‘circular economies’. We will see how the slogan which we grew up with forms the basis of circular economies, and how these 3 simple principles of the slogan can actually create an entire new system of production and thinking.
What is a circular economy
A circular economy is based on a philosophical framework, and serves as an economic systems design model which aims to eliminate waste and keep materials and resources in use for longer. This creates a shift in how we produce and buy products. If we look at the circular aspect of this philosophy, we immediately see that we are dealing with a cycle. We can then begin to think that the general rules of a cycle will also be in play here. So firstly, we have specific steps or events taking place within the cycle. The cycle also has a beginning for measurement purposes of the different steps and as is the nature of a cycle, it repeats itself in some way or another.
This differs significantly from a linear model which has unfortunately been the norm throughout the world for many years. This traditional linear model is also known as a ‘take, make and waste model’, and this explains exactly how this model works. The linear nature of this model entails that resources are extracted, products are manufactured and once the products and packaging have served their purpose, it is discarded as waste.
So where does the problem in this traditional linear model lie? Quite simply in the fact that many of our natural resources are finite. I think we can all agree that treating finite resources as if they are infinite is not a smart thing to do. However, that is exactly what is being done in many instances. Further to this, the problem is increased through the massive amounts of pollutants and waste which is generated by this linear model. We do not have to look far to see the impact of these pollutants in our environments. Even just in my own city, the wetland close to my house is polluted by packaging waste and the air is often filled with thick smog.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
So, getting back to a circular economy, this philosophy aims to reduce these negative impacts of manufacturing and resource use. Within a circular economy, this is done through smart resource use to reduce the amount of raw material needed and the number of pollutants created. Products are then also reused by the consumer or by different consumers through practices such as sharing, thrifting or repurposing.
Important efforts are made in the circular economy to repair, refurbish and remanufacture current products in use. Once this product has then reached the end of its lifetime (when repairs and refurbishments are not possible), it is recycled by using its materials and components in a new manufactured product. Of course, not all materials can be recycled and some may lose parts of their value. The aim is thus to use as many recycled resources as possible. Due to the use of these recycled resources, we then get back to the reduce phase and the circular nature of the cycle can be seen.
The philosophy vs the reality
A common but dangerous misconception which can occur is that a circular economy can exist in perpetuity, meaning that it can continue forever. Although the aim is to repeat the circular cycle as many times as possible, it cannot exist in a closed state forever. The reasons for this are varied but include the natural degradation of materials, the loss of energy from the system and the presence of non-recyclable materials or hazardous waste. We can see how these challenges shape the reality of the philosophical circular economy. This is also why the term ‘reduce’ is used when speaking about raw materials, and not ‘remove’. The need for raw materials cannot be completely removed. The aim can however be to get as close as possible to a complete closed system.
An example from nature
Nature is a place where a wealth of different natural cycles exists. A perfect example of this circular economy philosophy can be found by looking at nutrient cycling in nature. This looped cycle entails the use of soil nutrients by vegetation. The nutrients then move through different trophic (energy) levels in a food web. Different organisms thus use the nutrients. Once the highest-level organism dies, the decomposers recycle the nutrients back into the ecosystem, to be reused by the new vegetation. With time, some of the nutrients do get lost and are replenished by means of other nutrients flowing into the cycle.
This sounds a lot like the concepts which we discussed above. We can see the circular economy concepts within this example and see how the system reuses and recycles the nutrients (resources) within its system for as long as it can. It is then also aided with new resources when there is a need for it, but this need is greatly reduced by the cyclical nature.
Obstacles to a circular economy
As with the implementation of anything new, various obstacles do exist in relation to circular economies. A major obstacle is a lack of collaboration between different parties, ranging from manufacturing to consumers. The complexity of supply chains also makes this a big challenge. However, increased supply chain management is bridging big gaps in this sector. Products and waste materials are often also not built to be recycled. Difficulty in disassembly, or the materials used may hinder recycling efforts. This is being helped by efforts towards increased standardization across the globe in manufacturing and recycling processes.
Of course, the cost of a circular economy also plays a part in its adoption. As technology increases and knowledge is shared these costs are systematically decreasing. The one thing remaining is then consumer behaviour. Consumers are often driven by convenience and price and see this as their main method of choosing a product. Just think of the rise of fast fashion or fast food. Proper education and awareness is thus needed to change consumer trends and thought patterns. In order for circular economies to be implemented, change is needed from manufacturers through to consumers.
Some final thoughts
A circular economy is however not reinventing the wheel; it is simply redesigning the wheel to make it last longer and be more efficient. We can see a wealth of examples in nature and in human history of where a strong cyclical process bears great fruit. We just have to join in the global movement towards wise resource use and sustainability. So next time you see the recycling logo or our favourite Reduce, Reuse and Recycle phrase, I implore you to take a moment and think of the wonderful work being done all around the globe to advance the global push towards a circular economy.
Be filled with nature!
Willem🐛