Circular Economy - More than just a Buzz Phrase
Nicole Probha, Professional Intern
Europe’s work on Green economy
Recently, the topic of green economy has been in the limelight, it has been quite a few years since it has become one of the priority criteria for government and intergovernmental organization in Europe. They have introduced a wide range of programs to practice the system wherein some measures are taken to protect socio-economic systems which are set within the planetary boundaries.
This type of economy requires using the resources consciously which does not minimal usage but rather extracting the highest property from the resources and making sure that the resources utilized does not emit harmful gases and waste. In December 2020, the EU's take on climate change shows immense positive results which have taken place. The EU's power generating sector has been decarbonizing, in other words, their Greenhouse gas emissions have fallen drastically. Europe has been focusing their attention towards this element and the records prove that they have been able to control their greenhouse emissions and aim to eliminate it by 2050
This goal will be achieved once the country maintains its practice of switching from using resources with harmful emissions and using more renewable resources.
Usage of technology in waste management in Europe
Another one of the most powerful steps taken by the EU is their take on the level of waste management and recycling which has multiplied over the years in European countries. One of the critical points in this matter is recycling raw materials, but they have been consistently taking steps as per what is called the circular economy model 2015. In contrast to the 'take-make-waste' linear model, a circular economy is regenerative by design and aims to gradually decouple growth from the consumption of finite resources and aims towards what is called “zero- waste motto” which will not only benefit the environment and our society but various businesses as well.
Europe has been adopting practices which are considered ideal to evolve into an economy which follows a sustainable model in terms of producing, using reusing/ recycling the materials. One of the methods which have come into vogue is disposal and recycling through technological methods. Previously they had been meticulously managing raw/intricate waste which is difficult to dispose of. European waste management sector emphasizes separate waste into dry waste, wet waste.
This method of waste management will allow common people and people working in different sectors to realize the importance and reflect upon their action, which will lead them to do their little bit for the environment.
The role of digital technology here plays a significant role as they will generate effective logistics as to how waste can be disposed of or recycled which will also result in better purchasing and decision making amongst the customer.