Let’s understand Recycling Circular Economy
Linear economy is taking from earth its natural resources, turning them into products to consume then dispose. So, we basically take from earth and give back trash that stays years and years in the landscapes and the sea.
Circular economy is a system where we make sure that the products we use are designed to be disassembled, repaired and reused and basically repurpose the materials and give them new life.
The natural circle of life is that one creature’s waste is another’s food and so on, whatever dies returns to soil as nutrients for other species to consume. So, how can we achieve this in our current industrial world?
The Goal of Circular Economy
The main objective of this system is to eliminate the toxic waste by turning products into compostable materials. The goal is to transform used products into useful goods that we can continue using and the cycle goes on.
The Difference between Recycling and Circular Economy
Recycling comes at the end after the waste is produced. It simply slows the process of waste and even while recycling, a considerable amount of the material is wasted and it will take just few years before 100% of the material is all wasted.
The circular economy on the other hand is a process that starts right from the beginning and that makes sure that no waste or gas emissions are generated, therefore, we wouldn’t have to face a huge amount of waste that even recycling can’t handle.
The Principles of Circular Economy
The pillars of circular economy are:
Designing out waste and pollution:
Encourage businesses to produce products that are designed to allow them to disassemble and turn into other usable materials. As for the packages, they should be able to become nutrients that help plants grow.
Keep products and materials in use:
Instead of a linear economy that encourages single use and disposing of used products. The circular economy is all about thinking of products as services that will keep being used in a long cycle, they will be reused or remanufactured.
Regenerate natural systems:
In order to return to the natural order of things, the world needs an economy that uses renewable resources that will allow materials to turn into nutrients that will go back to the soil and help regeneration.
UAE ‘s Approach to Circular Economy
In January 2021, the UAE expressed its approach to achieving environmental sustainability through “UAE Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031” with the main goal of reaching sustainable management of the economy and efficient use of natural resources.
Below are the elements the policy focuses on:
- Establishing UAE Circular Economy baselines
- Setting Circular Economy indicators
- Identifying UAE Circular Economy opportunities
- Engaging with local businesses on Circular Economy opportunities and barriers
- Ensuring the supply of raw materials
- Increasing competitiveness and innovation
- Creating job opportunities
In line with this, the Abu Dhabi government said that by 2031, it will invest AED 10 billion in the manufacturing sector and is considering a circular economy approach. According to the Global Commission on Economy and Climate, adopting circular economy principles could benefit the economy by 26 trillion dollars.
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