LINEAR VS CIRCULAR
WHAT IS A LINEAR ECONOMY?
In a linear economy, the traditional model of production and consumption follows a "take-make-dispose" pattern:
EXTRACTION
Resources are extracted from the earth to manufacture products.
PRODUCTION
These resources are transformed into products through manufacturing processes.
CONSUMPTION
Products are consumed by end-users.
DISPOSAL
At the end of their life cycle, products are discarded as waste, often ending up in landfills or incinerators.
LINEAR ECONOMY
KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF A LINEAR ECONOMY INCLUDE:
TOUCH
RESOURCE DEPLETION
RESOURCE DEPLETION
Resources are extracted from the earth to manufacture products.
TOUCH
WASTE GENERATION
WASTE GENERATION
Products are designed for disposal, resulting in high levels of waste generation and pollution.
TOUCH
-svg%20(1).png?width=45&name=recycle%20(2)-svg%20(1).png){kind=small}
LIMITED RECYCLING
LIMITED RECYCLING
Recycling rates are often low, with only a fraction of materials being recovered and reused.
WHAT IS A CIRCULAR ECONOMY?
A circular economy aims to decouple economic growth from resource consumption by promoting a regenerative and restorative approach to production and consumption:
Design for Longevity
Products are designed to last longer, with an emphasis on durability, repairability, and reusability.
Resource Efficiency
Resources are used more efficiently throughout their life cycle, with a focus on reducing waste and maximizing value.
REUSE AND RECYCLING
Materials are reused, repaired, or recycled at the end of their life cycle to create new products or regenerate natural systems.
Closed-Loop Systems
Circular economy principles aim to create closed-loop systems where materials are continuously cycled within the economy, minimizing the need for virgin resource extraction.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF A CIRCULAR ECONOMY INCLUDE:
TOUCH
RESOURCE PRESERVATION
RESOURCE PRESERVATION
By keeping resources in use for as long as possible and recovering materials at the end of their life cycle, a circular economy helps preserve natural resources and reduce environmental impacts.
TOUCH
WASTE REDUCTION
WASTE REDUCTION
Waste generation is minimized through design strategies that prioritize reuse, repair, and recycling.
TOUCH
.svg){kind=small}
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
The circular economy offers economic opportunities through innovation, job creation, and the development of new business models centered around sustainable practices.
