Sustainable Management Practices
- Imagine a world where waste is minimal, resources are shared, and ecosystems thrive.
- This vision is possible through sustainable management practices.
- Let's explore how the circular economy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Circular Economy: Rethinking Waste and Resources
- An economic system that aims to eliminate waste and keep resources in use for as long as possible by reusing, recycling, and designing products for longevity.
Key Principles of the Circular Economy
- Design for Longevity: Products are made to last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Reuse and Repair: Items are reused or repaired instead of being discarded.
- Recycling and Upcycling: Materials are recycled or transformed into new products.
- Regenerative Systems: Natural systems are restored and enhanced, such as through regenerative agriculture.
Think of the circular economy as a closed loop, like nature. In a forest, nothing is wasted - fallen leaves decompose to enrich the soil, supporting new growth. Similarly, the circular economy aims to ensure that resources are continuously reused and regenerated.
Why Does the Circular Economy Matter?
- Reduces Waste: By keeping materials in use, less waste ends up in landfills or incinerators.
- Conserves Resources: Reduces the need for extracting new raw materials, preserving natural ecosystems.
- Cuts Emissions: Recycling and reusing materials often require less energy than producing new ones, lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
When studying examples of the circular economy, focus on the specific strategies used (e.g., eco-design, recycling systems) and their outcomes (e.g., reduced waste, lower emissions). Also pay attention to the difference between reusing (products) and recycling (resources).
NoteNote that circular economy impacts changing attitudes to product ownership. Reducing consumption and reusing schemes can change habits and lead to:
- Owning less products (fast fashion);
- Paying more attention to packaging (single use plastic);
- Accepting the purchase of pre-owned goods (pre-owned clothes);
- Developing sharing economy where products are rather rented/leased/pooled (urban public bicycle systems) or co-owned and co-used (car-sharing).
Sustainable Development
- The idea of Sustainable Development has been coined in 1987 in "Our Common Future" report prepared by United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development
Sustainable Development
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 interconnected goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015. They address a wide range of issues, including poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.
- The SDGs are characterized by a holistic approach: the goals advocate for a comprehensive approach that integrates economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability, recognizing that progress in one area often depends on advances in others, fostering a more balanced and resilient global society.
- The SDGs are criticized for being not achievable by 2030, unrealistic in general, and detached from real development processes shaped by geopolitical tensions and rivalry.
Key SDGs Related to Resource Management
Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
- Challenges: Water scarcity, contamination, and inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure.
