Circular Economy - What is it?

What is the Circular Economy and how to be part of the movement?

The Circular Economy is an economic model based on reduction, reuse and recycling. Its objective is to reduce waste to a minimum, extending the useful life of the products as much as possible. When this life cycle comes to an end, all the elements that would otherwise be wasted are reused to manufacture new products, thus reducing the extraction of raw materials from the environment and the production of toxic substances for the planet.


This concept arose from the need to counter the population growth trend and the consequent pressure on natural resources, which are scarce. The circular economy is opposed to the current production system: the linear economy, based on the process of extraction -> production -> use -> disposal. In this unsustainable economic model, products are made from raw materials extracted from the Earth and, when they reach the end of their life cycle, they are thrown away, with almost no reuse.


Every year we use available natural resources more and more quickly. In 2019, July 29th was the date on which we consumed what was intended for an entire year, with still 5 months to go. The resources of Planet Earth are finite and increasingly more scarce. The extraction of raw materials for the manufacture of products consumed by man has as a direct consequence an enormous expenditure of energy and emissions of polluting gases into the atmosphere.

A radical change in the production chain, in the use of resources and even in the way we consume is becoming increasingly urgent. The transition to the circular economy is the answer to the environmental problems caused by the linear model, but it implies a total change of paradigm in social and economic organization.

But how can we contribute to the circular economy?


REUSE

The main way is to reuse and this applies to everything, be it a smartphone, a piece of clothing or a plastic bag. Do not throw away products unnecessarily and use them until they are completely useless. If the product has suffered any damage, try to repair it instead of buying a new one. And if it no longer fully meets your needs, find someone who wants it instead of getting rid of it.


RECYCLING

If it is no longer possible to reuse, make sure you recycle it correctly. Nowadays it is possible to reuse almost any type of waste, even electronic waste! By properly recycling, materials or products that would otherwise be wasted will have a new life, entering the circular economy.

Note: In the case of electronic equipment, make sure you NOT throw it in the normal trash. At http://www.ondereciclar.pt/ you can check the electronic waste collection centers closest to you to make sure they are recycled correctly.

CLOTHING

In the last 15 years, human beings have doubled the production (and consumption) of clothing. In addition to these worrying figures, these same clothes are used less and less and end up in the trash. The fast fashion industry is the second most polluting industry in the world. This industry produces clothing very quickly, generally in underdeveloped countries, with very cheap and polluting materials, thus obtaining a final price that is accessible to most buyers.

The solution is not compression with brands without sustainable values. Look for local stores that offer fair prices, use quality materials and qualified labor. Buy only what you need and know that you will use it and not consume it on impulse. Look for better quality pieces that will last longer. It may cost more upfront, but it is the clothing that lasts much longer. Also look for second-hand clothing stores, with very attractive prices and 100% reused products. Finally, clothes or shoes that you will no longer wear can be sold or donated.

FOOD

Currently, the food industry follows a mass production model to meet the needs of population growth and consumerism. 31% of the food produced does not even reach the plate, and ends up being wasted. According to the United Nations (UN), food waste causes 10% of greenhouse gases.

To contribute to a more sustainable food economy, you can start by not wasting. Whenever possible, buy the right amount of food so that there are no surpluses. Consume food produced in a regenerative and local way, guaranteeing its natural origin. Did you know that you can use orange peel to make tea? The peel is rich in vitamin C and is good for your health.


ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS

In 2018, 48.5 million tons of electronic waste (e-trash) were produced on the planet. In 2019, this number rose to 53 million tons. Of this number, only 17% was properly recycled. A study conducted by the UN estimates that by 2050 we will produce around 120 million tons of electronic waste.

According to a Marketwatch study, users buy a new phone on average after 15 months. Either due to the desire to have the latest model, or due to damage whose repair is almost the price of a new device. The most effective way to contribute to the circular economy in electronics is to extend the useful life of devices by taking good care of them. This way, you avoid buying a new one so frequently and, consequently, all the environmental costs associated with its production.

Always choose to repair rather than replace.

If you really need to buy new electronic equipment, you can opt for a Refurbished. These are products that have been discarded by the last user, underwent rigorous maintenance and replacement of some parts, and returned to the market at a much more affordable price with a 1-year warranty. This type of recovery gives new life to technological equipment and contributes to the circular economy model. The refurbishment market has prevented the waste of thousands of tons of electronic waste per year.