What is the circular economy?

What is the circular economy?

Nowadays, topics such as sustainability , the environment and recycling are on the agenda. With more and more natural disasters and catastrophes caused by climate change , we need to look at the bigger picture and understand where real and positive changes can be implemented for our planet , one of which is the transition to a circular economy system. But what is the circular economy?

The origin of the circular economy concept is a topic of debate. Although some argue that the idea itself, unnamed at the time, first appeared in a research report authored by economists Walter Stahel and Genevieve Reday for the European Commission, the birth of the concept as we know it today is attributed to David Pearce and Kerry Turner, two British economists and environmentalists, who, in 1989 , exposed in a journalistic article that thetraditional economy did not take into account the recycling process and, therefore, it was unsustainable.

The traditional economy , which works in a linear way , aims to discard products. In contrast, the circular economy has as its principles, according to the Ellen McArthur Foundation , the end of waste and pollution , the circulation of products and goods as opposed to their disposal and, finally, working towards the regeneration of nature .

Simply put, the circular economy is nothing more than a concept based on the responsible use of natural resources, associated with economic and industrial development, through new systems and models business and also prioritizing the use of recyclable, reusable and longer-lasting raw materials.

Image source: Opersan

Although the circular economy is still a relatively unknown concept to the general public , major institutions are already aware of the need for change. In this context, in December 2015, the European Commission approved its first circular economy plan , with 54 actions to be taken by the different European countries so that the transition to this economic model is carried out efficiently, responsibly and always taking into account economic competitiveness and job creation. The five main areas to be worked on in this plan are related to the use of plastic, combating food waste , the use of essential raw materials, construction and demolition and, finally, biomass and derived products ( bio-based ).

Image source: European Commission

One of Digiplanet 's main objectives is to promote the circular economy. This is clear in our values and, through the process of reconditioning and subsequent resale of refurbished computer equipment, we are contributing to the sustainability and preservation of our planet, through a responsible and more environmentally friendly economic activity.

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What is the circular economy?

What is the circular economy?

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