What is a circular economy?
Our economy is mostly a make-use-throw model, but we need to shift to a circular economy where the things we use are designed to be reused, repaired or repurposed. A circular economy would reduce pollution and our burden on the planet.
From single-use plastic to harmful chemicals, we're polluting our ocean on a devastating scale by not using a circular economy model.
As well as changing the way we consume products, we need product designers to change how they work. They need to design items that can be used again and again, reducing single-use products that end up in landfill or in our ocean. Product designers also need to think about the chemicals used in products, making sure items are safe to use, reuse, repair or repurpose as part of a circular economy and that harmful chemicals are not ending up in our ocean.
In August 2022, Scotland consulted on proposals to develop legislation for a circular economy.
Earth Overshoot Day
Each year, the earth generates a limited amount of biological resources, which humans use throughout the year. Earth Overshoot Day marks the day when humanity's demand for resources exceeds what the earth can regenerate in that year. In 2022, that day was July 28th. From this date onwards, human's will be using earth's resources quicker than they can be replenished - accumulating more waste and adding to the climate crisis.