The principles of the circular economy and the importance of the life cycle of products
The circular economy is an increasingly discussed concept in the economic and environmental fields.
Unlike the traditional linear economic model, which is based on the extraction of resources, the production of goods and the subsequent elimination of waste, the circular economy promotes a sustainable approach which is mainly based on three principles:
- • Reduction of waste,
- • Reuse of resources,
- • Recycling and repair of materials and products.
The objective of the circular economy is to create a virtuous cycle of resources to avoid their exhaustion and the increase in waste. In short, this approach challenges the old logic of “take, use and throw away” and instead introduces the concept of “life cycle”.
In the circular economy, an object such as a pencil, a bottle, or a car is designed keeping in mind that its life cycle must not end after the first use. Therefore, creating objects with biodegradable, recoverable or recyclable materials allows us to optimize the use of natural resources and give a new life to what was previously considered waste. And it all starts from the design of the object.
We are facing a revolution in the way of producing, consuming and living, which concerns us as citizens and consumers and therefore transforms us into circular consumers.
It is our responsibility to make conscious choices, for example, deciding to use car sharing, buying second-hand clothes, not being part to fast-fashion, using biodegradable materials, avoiding food waste, choosing renewable energy and sustainable materials: they are all actions of conscious consumers and, to use a fashionable adjective, circular.
As reported in the tenth episode of the CasaMica podcast, dedicated precisely to the circular economy, it is in fact a matter of thinking of the product as a service, because using things whose ownership remains with the producer limits waste and unnecessary consumption.
The advantages of the circular economy
With the circular economy, the doors to opportunities and advantages open.
The first advantage concerns the environmental impact: by reducing waste production and promoting recycling, the amount of waste that ends up in landfills or in the environment is limited, thus reducing pollution and damage to ecosystems. The efficient use of resources also reduces greenhouse gas emissions (responsible for rising temperatures) associated with the production and disposal of materials.
Unlike the traditional model, the circular economy starts from the major issues related to climate change and intergenerational equity to guarantee a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Finally, the circular economy encourages innovation, the design of sustainable products and services, opening the way to new possibilities for economic growth, new markets and new job opportunities. In fact, personnel who are responsible for accompanying businesses and communities in the transition towards a more sustainable approach are increasingly sought after. In the fourth episode of the podcast Mica solo parole Massimiliano Tellini, Global Head of Circular Economy at Intesa Sanpaolo, explains the role and peculiarities of this work.
To prepare the new generations for this paradigm shift, the Savings Museum has for several years been involved in numerous initiatives in favor of sustainability and to spread the principles of the circular economy, with the S.A.V.E. Virtual tour (Sustainability, Action, Voyage, Experience) project dedicated to schools of all levels: a fun experience that, with videos, apps and workshops, educates on sustainability and money management. An integral part of the project are the Green Hero, Planet Guardian and Equality Defender game apps available for free on the site and on all play markets, for anyone who wants to approach the issues of circularity in a fun way.