According to Recyc-Québec, in 2021, Quebec will reject 716kg of residual materials per person. This impressive figure is a 3% increase on 2018 statistics!
One of the causes is the linear economy. Our current economic model. In this article, we'll explain what the linear economy is, but we'll demystify its solution, the circular economy.
Linear economy
In a linear economic model, the product has a beginning and an end. Take, for example, a single-use plastic sandwich bag: plastic is produced, the plastic is turned into a bag, the bags are delivered to stores, a bag is used to take a ham roll to work, and the bag is thrown away after the meal.
This economic model has a negative impact on our environment and communities. The more we consume, the more resources we have to extract, putting the environmental balance at risk. Also, each stage in the product life cycle uses energy and generates waste that has to be transported to landfill.
Circular economy
One alternative to the linear economy is the circular economy. According to the Office québécois de la langue française, the circular economy is a system of production, exchange and consumption based on strategies that optimize the use of resources at every stage of the product life cycle, with the aim of reducing environmental impacts and improving the well-being of individuals and communities.
In simpler terms, this means rethinking our activities to eliminate waste and recover as much value as possible from our resources, at every stage of a product's life cycle. This may mean recovering energy, components or even a product for the production of a new one. Optimizing our resources also means limiting transportation at every stage of the life cycle.
A great example of the circular economy is our reusable multipurpose bag. It respects the principles of the circular economy because :
- The fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles;
- The fabric, labels and zippers are manufactured in Montreal, limiting the transportation of materials;
- Design and manufacturing are local;
- Products are reusable and durable, extending their lifespan;
Available in mini-snack, snack, sandwich, large, freezer, transport formats and tote bag, it's the perfect packaging solution!
Advantages of the circular economy
There are several advantages to opting for a circular economy. The first is the reduction in waste and energy use, and therefore in greenhouse gas emissions.
Then there's the reduction in the consumption of new resources. This has a positive impact on the environment, as we no longer need to destroy new habitats to extract raw materials.
Another advantage is cost reduction. As raw materials are more accessible and local, transport costs are lower. Local sales and consumption also have a positive impact on transport. Optimizing every resource used also reduces costs, as there is little or no waste to dispose of.
It also improves economic resilience, as the creation of new business models and local enterprises reduces dependence on large corporations and other countries.
Finally, the creation of new businesses comes with the creation of local jobs.
How to participate in the circular economy
In Quebec, the circularity rate is only 3.5% according to Recyc-Québec, which leaves plenty of room for improvement.
Here are a few concrete actions you can take to participate in the circular economy:
- Use or create a library to share tools, books or objects.
- Buy products made from recycled ingredients
- Repair objects instead of throwing them away
- Buy recycled products
- Recycle your electronic waste to reuse components or materials
What actions are you taking or planning to take in line with the principles of the circular economy?
Ecologically yours,
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