What is the circular economy?

Every economy depends on the resources and raw materials at its disposal . Both biologists and economists have pointed out that "Only a madman or an economist can believe that there is infinite economic growth in a finite world." In a linear economic model ("take-use-discard") there can be no permanent growth It is a highly inefficient economic model, both from an economic and environmental perspective , given that it wastes enormous economic, material and natural resources, and at the same time, causes major environmental impacts with repercussions on human health .

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The circular economy approach is based on the importance of "maintaining the value of products, materials, and resources in the economy for as long as possible, while minimizing waste generation." The idea is to maintain a continuous flow of resources so that they can continue to be used profitably again and again, without losing value . On the other hand, The transition from a linear to a circular economy affects how people use things, how industry produces, and how society uses its increasingly limited resources. .

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The concept of a circular economy is becoming increasingly relevant worldwide as a model that is more in harmony with nature and allows for the continuity of the contemporary economy and livelihoods. This approach involves moving toward a model "that is restorative and regenerative by design, and that aims to maintain products, components, and materials in their most useful and valuable state at all times..."

Harmless or reusable materials

In this context, nothing is wasted, because waste is designed to be used for repairs, dismantled, or reused. For this, there should be only two types of industrial elements: biodegradable and those that are durable and reusable . More complex objects should be designed to be dismantled, and their components should be classified into the two categories mentioned above.

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Our country requires adequate, efficient, and effective legislation on the Circular Economy that clearly and appropriately establishes extended producer responsibility for each link along the value chain . Indeed, legislation must specifically address the regulation of the use of packaging, containers, and packaging for products, for their transportation, marketing, consumption, and final disposal. This will allow for the creation of standards and, especially, appropriate incentives for business models that enable the country to transition toward a circular economy.

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Mexico is expected to soon have Circular Economy legislation that will generate profound changes in the economic system , as well as in production and consumption patterns, and not just "rearrange chairs for the sinking of the Titanic." Will all or most of the interested sectors do their part to ensure that we actually have a good circular economy law in the country?

* By Gustavo Alanís Ortega, founder and Executive Director of the Mexican Center for Environmental Law (CEMDA) and Juan Carlos Carrillo Fuentes, Senior Attorney at CEM

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