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Essay / The need to evolve the current economic system towards a circular economy
This paper will discuss the current economic system which represents a linear model and how it can be replaced by a circular economy which produces considerably less waste. As the world's population increases and technology advances exponentially, the question of judicious use of limited resources becomes alarmingly relevant. This paper will highlight the need to adopt more sustainable economic practices by exploring the effects that the transition will have on households, economies and the environment, as well as the efforts that countries are already making in this regard. It is essential to recognize that the planet cannot sustain the current "take, make, waste" approach indefinitely and that given the rapid growth of the world's population and the increasing need for goods and services, it cannot It's no surprise that humanity may soon exhaust non-renewable resources. . It has been suggested that ecosystems are now showing signs of wear and tear, with fifteen of the twenty-four known ecosystem services being used unsustainably. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get the original essay Planet Earth will eventually be unable to keep pace with man's insatiable appetite, the strain of which is already visible through the water crisis in South Africa where the land is not able to support all the people living there. The question then arises not as to whether the linear model can be replaced, but as to when the circular model will replace it out of pure necessity. It appears that manufacturers are waking up to the need to work towards a less polluting production chain, with major companies such as Nike, H&M, Zara and Adidas introducing initiatives to reuse and recycle waste. The fashion industry can be considered one of the biggest contributors to the consumer mentality, thanks to the seasonal release of new clothing and ever-changing trends. Anna Gedde, head of sustainability at H&M, says H&M aims to use only recycled or sustainably sourced materials by 2030. This suggests that manufacturing industries understand the risks and impacts of uncontrolled resource use and are considering switching to methods to reduce their waste production. On a more global scale, the European Union aims to move from a linear economic system to a less costly economic system under its EUROPE 2020 plan announced in 2010. The basis of this plan includes prioritizing smart growth , sustainable and inclusive to develop a more intelligent, sustainable and inclusive economy. an informed, innovative, greener and more competitive economy. This objective was developed due to the realization that moving to a more circular economy would bring several benefits; this includes reduced carbon dioxide emissions, reduced consumption of raw materials and increased development compared to the current economic development path. The commission charged with overseeing this plan has left it to national governments to examine the implementation of the stipulations to achieve the same goal. In addition, several countries have also expressed interest in transitioning to a more circular economy. In September 2016, the Dutch government announced its goal of developing a circular economy in the Netherlands by 2050. Its efforts are focused on 5 economic sectors: biomass and food, plastics, industry.