As the world’s population continues to grow, so does our consumption of resources. This trend puts a tremendous strain on our planet, and it is becoming increasingly clear that our current economic model, which is based on a linear system of “take-make-use-dispose,” is unsustainable. This is where the concept of a circular economy comes in, which aims to close the loop on resource use and create a more sustainable and resilient future.
In a circular economy, waste is minimized, and resources are kept in use for as long as possible. This is achieved through strategies such as reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling. The circular economy is gaining traction in cities and countries around the world, as leaders recognize the urgent need for more sustainable practices.
In this blog post, we will explore how some major cities and developed countries are embracing the circular economy and zero waste principles.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Dutch city of Amsterdam has set an ambitious goal of becoming a circular city by 2050. To achieve this, the city is implementing a range of initiatives, such as a “Circular Innovation Program” to stimulate innovation in circular economy technologies and business models.
Amsterdam is also piloting a new waste collection system that aims to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. In this system, organic waste is collected separately from other waste streams and converted into biogas, which is then used to power the city’s public transport.
Here are a few examples of Amsterdam’s initiatives to promote the circular economy:
- Amsterdam Circular: Amsterdam Circular is a program aimed at creating a circular economy in the Amsterdam metropolitan area by 2050. The program aims to reduce waste and promote the reuse and recycling of resources through a range of initiatives, such as promoting the sharing economy, encouraging the use of recycled materials in construction, and reducing food waste.
- Circular Amsterdam: Circular Amsterdam is a platform that connects businesses, organizations, and individuals to promote the circular economy in the city. The platform offers a range of resources and tools to help businesses and individuals transition to more sustainable and circular practices.
- Amsterdam Smart City: Amsterdam Smart City is an initiative aimed at promoting sustainable and circular urban development in the city. The initiative involves the use of smart technologies and data to optimize resource use and reduce waste in the city.
- Circular Buiksloterham: Circular Buiksloterham is a neighborhood in Amsterdam that is being developed as a circular economy district. The neighborhood is being designed to promote sustainable building practices and the reuse and recycling of resources, with a focus on creating a more sustainable and circular community.
- De Ceuvel: De Ceuvel is a sustainable and circular community located in Amsterdam-Noord. The community is built on a former shipyard and is designed to promote sustainable and circular practices, such as the use of recycled materials and the implementation of sustainable energy systems.
Overall, Amsterdam has been taking a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach to promoting the circular economy. By implementing a range of initiatives and programs aimed at reducing waste and promoting the reuse and recycling of resources, Amsterdam is demonstrating that it is possible to create a more sustainable and circular city.
Amsterdam, Netherlands overlooking a canal
San Francisco
San Francisco is widely recognized as a leader in waste reduction and recycling. In 2002, the city set a goal of achieving zero waste by 2020, and it has made significant progress towards this goal. As of 2021, the city’s waste diversion rate is over 80%, which means that over 80% of the waste generated in the city is diverted from landfill.
San Francisco achieved this by implementing a range of measures, such as mandatory recycling and composting, a ban on single-use plastic bags, and a city-wide ban on the sale of plastic water bottles on city-owned property.
Here are some examples of San Francisco’s initiatives toward achieving a circular economy:
- Zero Waste: San Francisco’s Zero Waste program aims to eliminate waste from the city’s landfill by 2020. The program has been successful in promoting recycling, composting, and other waste reduction strategies, with the city achieving an 80% diversion rate in 2019.
- Extended Producer Responsibility: San Francisco has implemented an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) ordinance that requires producers of certain products to be responsible for their end-of-life management. This program encourages producers to design products with recyclability and reuse in mind, and helps to promote a more circular economy by reducing waste and promoting the reuse and recycling of resources.
- Resource Recovery Park: San Francisco is planning to build a Resource Recovery Park that will serve as a hub for waste reduction and resource recovery. The park will include facilities for composting, recycling, and other waste reduction strategies, as well as space for businesses and organizations to collaborate on circular economy initiatives.
- SF Better Streets Plan: San Francisco’s Better Streets Plan includes a focus on promoting the use of recycled and reused materials in street design and construction. This initiative helps to promote the circular economy by reducing waste and promoting the reuse of resources in the built environment.
- Zero Waste Business: San Francisco’s Zero Waste Business program provides resources and support to local businesses to help them reduce waste and promote circular practices. The program offers waste audits, technical assistance, and other resources to help businesses transition to more sustainable and circular practices.
San Francisco recyles!
Sweden
Sweden is one of the world’s leading countries in waste management, with over 99% of the waste generated in the country being recycled or used for energy production. This is achieved through a combination of policies, such as taxes on waste and incentives for recycling, and innovative waste-to-energy technologies.
One example of Sweden’s innovative approach to waste management is the “Cleantech Kvarken” project, which aims to transform a former pulp mill into a circular bio-economy hub. The project will use advanced technologies to convert waste streams into renewable energy, biofuels, and bioproducts.
Here are more examples of Sweden’s initiatives towards becoming a circular economy:
- Waste-to-Energy: Sweden has invested heavily in waste-to-energy facilities, which convert waste into energy. These facilities are highly efficient and help to reduce waste while producing renewable energy.
- Circular Material Innovation: Sweden has invested in the development of new materials and technologies that promote the circular economy. For example, the Swedish company H&M has developed a process for recycling textile fibers, which can be used to create new clothing.
- Reuse and Repair: Sweden has implemented a range of policies and programs aimed at promoting the reuse and repair of products. For example, the Swedish government has reduced the tax rate for repairing goods, which has helped to promote the repair and reuse of products.
- Resource Efficient Cities: Sweden has implemented a program called Resource Efficient Cities, which aims to promote the circular economy in urban areas. The program involves the development of circular business models, sustainable procurement practices, and other strategies aimed at reducing waste and promoting the reuse and recycling of resources.
- Sustainable Transport: Sweden has invested heavily in sustainable transport infrastructure, including bike paths, public transport, and electric vehicle charging stations. These initiatives help to reduce emissions and promote the circular economy by reducing the need for new vehicles and promoting the reuse of existing resources.
Sweden’s investment in public transportation
Japan
Japan is a densely populated country with limited natural resources, which has made it a leader in sustainable practices. The country has embraced the concept of a circular economy, and it has implemented a range of initiatives to promote waste reduction and resource efficiency.
Here are some examples of Japan’s circular economy initiatives:
- 3R Initiative: Japan’s 3R Initiative (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) aims to promote the recycling and reuse of resources, as well as the reduction of waste. The initiative has been successful in promoting sustainable practices, such as the separation of waste at the household level and the promotion of recycling and composting.
- Laws and Regulations: Japan has implemented various laws and regulations to promote the circular economy. For example, the Law for the Promotion of Effective Utilization of Resources requires businesses to report on their waste and resource usage, and encourages the use of recycled materials.
- Zero Waste Towns: Japan has implemented a program called Zero Waste Towns, which aims to promote the circular economy at the local level. The program involves the development of local recycling and composting programs, as well as the promotion of sustainable consumption practices.
- Industrial Symbiosis: Japan has been promoting industrial symbiosis, which involves the exchange of waste materials and byproducts between different industries. By exchanging waste materials, industries can reduce waste and promote the reuse and recycling of resources.
- Circular Economy Promotion Council: Japan has established the Circular Economy Promotion Council, which is a government-led initiative aimed at promoting the circular economy. The council involves various stakeholders, including businesses, NGOs, and academics, and aims to promote the development of circular business models and sustainable production and consumption practices.
A “Zero Waste Town” in Japan where recycling is carefully sorted
Latin America
While the circular economy is still a relatively new concept in Latin America, there are several promising initiatives and policies being implemented in the region. Here are some examples of circular economy initiatives from Latin America:
- Brazil’s Zero Waste Program: The Zero Waste Program in Brazil aims to reduce waste and promote the circular economy through various initiatives, such as recycling, composting, and the reduction of single-use plastics. The program also involves the development of new business models and the promotion of sustainable consumption practices.
- Mexico’s Circular Economy Strategy: Mexico’s Circular Economy Strategy aims to promote the circular economy through the development of new policies and programs. The strategy involves the promotion of sustainable production and consumption practices, as well as the development of new business models that promote resource efficiency and the reuse of materials.
- Colombia’s Circular Economy Forum: Colombia’s Circular Economy Forum brings together stakeholders from government, academia, and industry to promote the circular economy in the country. The forum aims to share knowledge and best practices, as well as to promote the development of circular business models.
- Chile’s National Plan for the Circular Economy: Chile’s National Plan for the Circular Economy aims to promote the circular economy through the development of new policies and programs. The plan involves the promotion of sustainable production and consumption practices, as well as the development of new business models that promote resource efficiency and the reuse of materials.
- Argentina’s National Waste Management Plan: Argentina’s National Waste Management Plan aims to reduce waste and promote the circular economy through various initiatives, such as recycling, composting, and the development of new business models. The plan also involves the promotion of sustainable consumption practices and the reduction of single-use plastics.
Overall, Latin American countries are starting to recognize the importance of the circular economy and are taking steps to promote it through the development of new policies and programs. By promoting the reuse and recycling of resources, these initiatives can help to create more sustainable and resilient economies in the region.
Mexico is Latin America’s leader in recycling of plastics!
As we have seen, the circular economy and zero waste principles are gaining traction in major cities and developed countries around the world. These leaders recognize the urgent need to shift towards more sustainable practices and are taking action to make this a reality. While there is still much work to be done to achieve a truly circular economy, the progress being made by cities and countries is encouraging.
While the concept of a circular economy and zero waste may seem like a lofty goal, these cities/countries noted above have already made significant progress in this direction. By focusing on the 3Rs of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, and by implementing policies and programs that encourage citizens to live more sustainable lifestyles, we can make meaningful progress towards a more circular and sustainable future.