Atık Yönetiminde Döngüsel Ekonomi Modeli ve Döngülerin Tasarımına İlişkin Bir Değerlendirme

Abstract

The linear economy, which has grown further with the technological, social and economic developments after the first two industrial revolutions, had irreversible negative consequences on the environment. While the global resource use has increased rapidly, our disposable lifestyles have transformed the planet into a 'take-make-use and throw' world and waste generation has become one of the prominent problems of this economy. It is now much clearer that the business as usual linear economy model is not sustainable; besides, increasing population along with the demand on resources makes this model even more unsustainable. Current estimates show that total global consumption has already exceeded 50% of the planet's self-renewal capacity. If nothing is done to rationalize the use of natural resources and to change those unsustainable production and consumption patterns, the situation that is already critical will continue to deteriorate further. To turn the society into a one that can create more value with less natural resource input, a new economic system based on the sustainable use of raw materials, resources and renewable energy is almost a necessity. In this respect, a recent paradigm, 'Circular Economy', is viewed as a promising approach to help to reduce our global sustainability pressures. Based on a narrative literature review, this study focuses on the circular economy, examines the model and the loops underlying the system, then analyses the respective product design strategies under the model within the scope of waste management. In its attempt to provide an analysis of the design strategies for slowing and closing the loops, the models and strategies proposed by some key earlier studies are utilized. Based on the studies, it is evident that the circular economy model would be an effective tool for waste and resource management. However, in general, it is seen that closing loops through recycling is more prominent compared to slowing loops. In the waste management hierarchy, preventing waste before it is generated has the highest priority, accordingly it is concluded that slowing loops is even more important than closing loops. Furthermore, changing only the production patterns would not be enough, it is imperative to change the consumption patterns as well.