In past weeks, we’ve focused attention on recycling as a way we all can help protect and restore our environment. This week, we look at how recycling actually fits into a much larger picture.
Our existing economic model is often referred to as linear, characterized in this CNBC article as “take—make—dispose.” We all know this model can cause environmental damage in all three phases: destructive raw material acquisition methods … manufacturing processes that create air, land and water pollution … and the mountains of waste that we as consumers create when we dispose of our purchases as they wear out, break or no longer meet our needs. Our recycling efforts help moderate this third phase of the linear economy …. But what can we do about the “take” and “make” phases?
enjoy it
& pass it on (or not!)
We can migrate toward a different kind of economy—a circular economy—that addresses all three phases.
In a circular economy, producers of goods TAKE less: they use recycled/reclaimed/repurposed materials to the greatest extent possible. This behavior can reduce raw materials mined, milled, extracted, harvested, etc. And it can reduce deforestation, ruined landscapes and global resource depletion.
Manufacturers in a circular economy MAKE increased use of recycled materials. They make things that last longer. And—very important— they take back their products when we’re done with them (think of your smartphone). And note that returned products become raw materials in the next “make” cycle.
All of our efforts to properly recycle help in the DISPOSE component of the circular economy. But we can do more if we’re up to it. For example:
Instead of buying a product, we can intentionally rent, lease or borrow it—and avoid the disposal problem altogether. For inspiration, check out what’s on the horizon at Philips.
We can consciously buy from companies like Patagonia or Girlfriend Collective that use recycled/reclaimed/repurposed materials and repair their products for us when we damage them.
We can choose companies like H&M that take their products back when they’ve served their purpose or no longer work—in other words, companies that follow a make/use/return model.
We can buy used items, and share, sell, or donate things we no longer need.
How close are we to converting the old linear economy to a more earth-friendly circular economy? Judging from the wealth of articles and videos available online, we can be sure that the concept is wellestablished. And the links above demonstrate that the world is actually moving from theory into practice. In fact, real progress is being made in countries such as Sweden. But here’s where we come in: companies will behave the way we motivate them to through our actions. If we want less “take— make—dispose” and more earth-friendly circularity, we can be intentional, eco-conscious consumers. We have the power to move this migration along!