What is the Circular Economy?
The Circular Economy (CE) is a new economic model (of production and consumption) which provides several systems for creating value, detaching or dissociating them from the consumption of finite resources.
The linear economic model that we currently follow is not sustainable. Natural resources are finite and we have to find a economical, social and environmentally sustainable way of using them. We cannot continue to build our future on a model which is based on the philosophy of ‘Take, Make and Dispose’.
Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation
CE advocates an economy which is restorative by design or intention. CE aims to produce no waste and eliminate any waste products which cannot currently be avoided.
It is based on 3 principles:
- Preserving and improving natural capital by controlling finite stocks of resources.
- Optimising the performance of resources by making products, components and materials circular, thereby maximising their usefulness.
- Making systems more effective by identifying any negative externalities (water, air, ground, climate change, etc.) and redefining those systems to prevent them.
CE is a driving force for innovation and creating value and employment as a result. The challenge lies in implementing business models which are true to those three principles.
Incorporating CE models therefore requires a change of of perspective on a company level, regional level and in society itself, thereby transforming the way we produce and consume.
Here are some references which provide more information about Circular Economy: Internal references / Other references
What is Circular Basque?
Circular Basque is a network of organisations that are committed to promoting and implementing a Circular Economy in the Basque Country. It is also a forum for raising awareness about initiatives that are taking place in this field and sharing the latest news.
Circular Basque is an initiative which is promoted by Innobasque, the Basque Innovation Agency, and it aims to encourage the development of new innovation models from all perspectives.
The approach used by Innobasque involves addressing Circular Economy in the Basque Country by combining four types of initiatives with three different scopes (industrial, regional and consumption), as summarised below:
