Linear systems look to take, make and dispose without the reuse of resources or product parts for future production needs. Linear systems result in large amounts of waste. As anthropogenic effects on our environment worsen a move to a circular economy is needed.
The circular economy makes use of feedback loops looking to reuse resources and parts of products in the production of new products. This circularity results in less waste and lower costs. A circular economy can also be applied to the treatment of organic wastes such as animal manure or food waste. This organic matter remains rich in nutrients that can promote plant growth using these waste products as fertiliser can save on chemical fertiliser production and use globally. Anaerobic Digestion discussed in previous blog posts can yield renewable gas from the digestion of organic wastes creating a fuel from otherwise waste.
Ellen MacArthur is a large voice for the circular economy and reduction of waste in all aspects of the economy. The Ellen MacArthur foundation looks to design out waste and keep products in use helping us stay within planetary boundaries. The agricultural sector produces large volumes of waste and the promotion and implementation of circular agriculture through reuse of resources can reduce this waste and its environmental impacts.
Find more information on the circular economy on the Ellen MacArthur website at the link below:
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy/what-is-the-circular-economy