This report promotes the
concept of the circular economy as a new approach to the use of resources. We
use examples based on current resource issues by examining three crucial inputs
to our economy: metals, phosphorus and water. The way we use them demonstrates
the overwhelmingly ‘linear’ nature of our current economy, with its problems
and future risks.
We make the case for a more
circular economy, as a way of avoiding at least some of the impacts of ever
more extraction of natural resources, and to avoid the worst impacts of
generating waste. This concept has influenced economic policy in both China and
Japan and is gaining traction in many other countries.
We concentrate on the role of
economic instruments. Although adjusting prices and adding economic incentives
is just part of the package of measures, both regulatory and voluntary, that we
need to achieve better resource stewardship. We highlight that a large part of
the shift to a more circular economy may need to come from our values and
behavior, which might be independent from, or else reinforced by, an economic
motive.
With this work Green Alliance
aims to set an agenda for further debate and analysis in this area.
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