Zero Waste vs A Circular Economy
In order to discuss the differences between zero waste practice and a circular economy - we need to begin by understanding what both are. In our last blog, we introduced you to the zero waste movement. (If you missed it, catch up here.)
In short, zero waste practice sees us striving to keep resources away from landfills.
“The conservation of all resources by means of responsible production, consumption, reuse, and recovery of products, packaging, and materials without burning and with no discharges to land, water, or air that threaten the environment or human health.” (Zero Waste International Alliance 2018)
While many zero waste practices are important, they focus on the bottom half of the waste hierarchy, with the primary goal of recovering resources before toxic substances enter landfills or the environment. A circular economy, however, focuses on the top of the hierarchy where systems are redesigned to eliminate waste.
A circular economy is a system in which raw materials and products are kept in circulation. It is commonly based off of three principles;
Designing out waste and pollution
Keeping products and materials in circulation
Regeneration of natural systems
Operating under a circular economy would see systems designed to account for the entire life cycle of a product. Resources are returned to the source at the end of a cycle of use in order to remain in circulation whilst losing as little value as possible. This could be anything from a reusable cup going out to be used, being dropped back and returned to a cafe to be washed and used by another customer, when the cup is damaged the material can be recycled back into the same product in order to re-enter the system.
A system where appliances such as washing machines are used until worn out, then returned to the manufacturer where the materials are disassembled and given a new life. Another example would be organic waste, which can fully decompose back into the soil which generates new growth of food - where the cycle continues.
It is important to note too, that a truly circular economic system would need to emphasise the use of clean, renewable energies and managed water systems that promote healthy ecosystems.
The concept of a circular economy first arose in the 1960’s and gained some prominence in the following decades. Today we are seeing companies begin to operate under more circular systems, however, it is still far from common practice.
So the difference?
Both zero waste and circular economic systems strive to change the ‘take, make, use’ culture and eliminate waste to landfills. Both have a place. However, a circular economy takes it one step further to completely redesign a system that keeps materials in circulation, eliminates waste and regenerates the environment, making it the only truly sustainable option for our future.
Companies currently committing to zero waste often take shortcuts such as incineration (waste to energy disposal) and passing the responsibility of recycling and reuse onto the customer. Both allow a company to make a zero-waste claim, but really are not making much of a difference. In order for a company to commit to a circular economic system, however, they would need to create a dedicated system for the return of materials (worn-out products, packaging, etc) for reuse or remanufacturing so that the materials could remain in circulation.
The shift to a circular economic way of living may seem like it rests largely on policy, company and systematic change. While this may be true, there are still ways that we as individuals can incorporate circular economic practices into our own lives. Look into local companies or organisations operating under circular structures, make local council and/or government submissions, incorporate reuse and repair into your life, or look into ways you may be able to integrate circular systems into your workplace or business.
For ideas on where to start and more information on building a sustainable life, head to Nonstop Solutions on Instagram and Facebook.
