Since Wednesday, the Basque Country has hosted the Basque Circular Summit, the conference on the circular economy that brings together 600 professionals and experts. We summarize the keys to this model, essential to combat climate change.
The Ficoba fairground in Irun (Gipuzkoa) today hosts the Basque circular top, a conference on the circular economy that aims to demonstrate the importance and commitment of the Basque Country to this model. We explain visually and with practical examples what the circular economy consists of.
The concept of circular economy it is inspired by the natural environment: in nature there is no waste, because what is waste for one organism is a resource for another; that is, nothing remains, everything is transformed.
This circularity is as opposed to the linear model of the prevailing economy. In it, the finite natural resources of the earth are used to manufacture the products to be consumed which, once used, become waste. The problem is that between 80 and 90% of what is obtained from nature that is not renewable never becomes a product, and of the part that does become a product, between 60 and 80% after a single use and only after six weeks .
Chart: EITB average
Opposite to this is the circular economy proposes a paradigm shift and advocates circularity in the entire process (design, manufacturing, consumption…). It is about redesigning, rethinking, reducing, reusing, repairing, renewing and recycling—the so-called 7 Rs—of existing materials and products as often as possible to create added value. In this way, the life cycle of the products is extended.
Chart prepared by EITB Media.
This new model is easier to apply in daily practice than we think. Here are 10 practical examples to be more circular.
Moreover, not only citizens can bet on this model. Proof of this are the 175 Basque products that can be seen until Sunday, November 27 at Ficoba in the exhibition “Zirkularrak”, also on the occasion of the aforementioned Basque Circular Summit. Ander Elgorriaga, responsible for eco-innovation at Ihobe, told us what five of them are like:
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Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
