Circular economy is the way forward in tackling the problem of plastic pollution effectively. It is an economic model that ensures most of the plastics ever produced stay within the loop, which minimizes the amount of plastics being leaked out into the natural environment.
Comparison of different economic models
Our society currently operates on a linear economy model, also known as the “take, make, waste” model. (attach illustration on linear economy) This model relies on the Earth having infinite resources and infinite regenerative capacity, which makes it an unsustainable model.
Meanwhile, the circular economy model emphasizes prolonging a product’s lifetime by reusing and repairing it during the consumption stage. The sustainable model also ensures that the end-of-life of a product is well thought of at the design stage of a product, such as by using recyclable or recycled materials. Once the product is ready to be disposed of, it will be recycled, transformed into pellets and new products of similar or higher values, significantly reducing the raw plastic materials needed and plastics being disposed of in the landfill.
Hence, our society and business models need to adopt the circular economy mindset and promote it on different levels.