Zero waste circular economy

A zero waste circular economy has critical climate implications. The bottom line is that zero waste programs ultimately result in less demand for virgin materials whose extraction, transport and processing are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions, and thus they reduce emissions in virtually all industries and economic sectors. Moreover, the successful implementation of a zero waste circular economy will provide significant other environmental, social and economic benefits, such as resource efficiency, job creation, low-carbon prosperity, a healthy environment, clean production and sustainable consumption. But to ensure such success, it is necessary to undertake a comprehensive approach. The transition to a zero waste circular economy requires fundamental changes across the entire economy based on the following interdependent pillars: constant reduction of residual waste via waste prevention and maximization of material recovery through separate collection schemes, product and process redesign, flexible waste treatment facilities, reforming renewable energy policies and greenhouse gas accounting methodologies and supporting the development of worker-led schemes – all of which is the operational translation of the overarching principles of the circular economy.