Day 82 – Q.2 What do you understand by the concept of circular economy? Explain. With the help of suitable examples, discuss some of the best practices of the circular economy model.

What do you understand by the concept of circular economy? Explain. With the help of suitable examples, discuss some of the best practices of the circular economy model.

चक्रीय अर्थव्यवस्था की अवधारणा से आप क्या समझते हैं? व्याख्या करें। उपयुक्त उदाहरणों की सहायता से सर्कुलर इकोनॉमी मॉडल की कुछ सर्वोत्तम प्रथाओं पर चर्चा करें।

Approach

Candidates can start the answer with basic idea about circular economy highlight some best practice world over and also some at India level.

Introduction

Circular economy is an economic model designed to minimize waste and maximize the use of resources by emphasizing the circular flow of materials and products. It is based on the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Body

There are several best practices associated with the circular economy model that have been successfully implemented by businesses, governments, and communities worldwide. Here are some examples:

• Product design for durability and repairability: Companies like Patagonia and Eileen Fisher have introduced take-back programs to repair, refurbish, and resell their products, thereby reducing waste and extending the life of their products.
• Resource efficiency in manufacturing: Philips has implemented a closed-loop recycling system for the plastic used in their products, enabling them to reuse 90% of the material.
• Sharing platforms for products and services: Shared mobility services such as Zipcar and bike-sharing schemes like Mobike have enabled users to access transportation on a pay-per-use basis, reducing the need for individual ownership and associated resource use.
• Zero waste initiatives: Some companies, such as Unilever and Nestle, have set targets to eliminate waste in their operations and supply chains. For instance, Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan aims to achieve zero waste to landfill from their factories by 2020.

Best practice at India level:

• Reliance Industries: Embraced the circular economy model by implementing a Zero-Waste Campus initiative. The company has also set up a plastic recycling plant that converts plastic waste into fuel.
• E- Waste Management: Attero Recycling is a company that specializes in recycling electronic waste, and it has set up several recycling centers across India
• Waste-to-Energy Projects: Plant has been set up in Okhla, Delhi, which converts waste into electricity. The plant processes over 2,000 tons of waste every day and generates 16 MW of electricity.

Conclusion

These best practices demonstrate that a circular economy can be realized through various approaches and strategies, tailored to specific sectors and contexts. The examples above provide a roadmap for businesses, governments, and communities to adopt more sustainable practices and contribute to a more circular economy.