Let us try a circular economy approach.

THE term circular economy has gained traction in literature and among individuals and organisations. It is often regarded as the most viable approach to achieving sustainable development. The concept was first adopted in China, where the classical flow of traditional business models was transformed to overcome the linear pattern of production and consumption (take-make-consume-dispose), and to replace it with a cyclical, closed-loop, regenerative system in which resource input and waste, emissions and energy leakage are minimised, and product redesign and reuse are prioritised.

Circular economy aims at increasing the value of used resources by recycling energy and materials in a circular manner. It also provides a solid foundation for radically improving the current business model towards preventive and regenerative eco-industrial development, as well as increased wellbeing based on restored environmental integrity.

It is based on three fundamental principles: reducing waste and pollution, reusing products and materials, and regenerating natural systems through recycling.

The first premise comprises non-renewable resource consumption through input substitution, process improvement, and increased monitoring and management of the manufacturing and consuming phases. It entails creating higher-value products while utilising less resources and avoiding things that harm the environment.

The reuse premise involves reintroducing end-of-life items into the supply chain in a variety of ways in order to extend their lives and reduce waste. Subsidies and customer awareness can both help to encourage reuse. Although the third recycling concept is better recognised than reducing and reusing, it is less...