Photo by Nagara Oyodo on Unsplash
Even though we’re talking about the circular economy more than ever, it seems like the world is actually becoming less circular. That’s not great news, especially considering how much our consumption is increasing. The good news is there are some key policy areas that can make a real difference.
Think of it like this: we need to shift from a “take-make-dispose” system to one where we’re reusing and repairing things. The Circularity Gap Report 2024 really emphasizes that we need bold action from policymakers to get there. Here’s what they’re suggesting:
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First off, we need tougher environmental standards for products. This means making things that last, can be fixed, and are easier to recycle. It also means no more destroying unsold goods like what Amazon has been known to do. The EU is even banning the destruction of unsold clothing from big companies starting in 2025, which is a good start.
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Next up, it’s about making it easier for consumers to make good choices. We need environmental “scores” for products so we know what’s sustainable and what’s not. There are a lot of confusing labels out there so a unified system like the EU’s Digital Product Passport would be super helpful, and provide transparency about where a product comes from and what happens to it when it’s no longer useful.
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Another big thing is getting serious about recycled materials. They’re better for the environment than brand-new stuff, but they need to be certified so people trust them. This can encourage using recycled materials, for example, in the construction industry.
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Then there’s the “Right to Repair” movement. We all know how frustrating it is when a product breaks and you can’t fix it. So, we need laws that make it easier to repair things instead of having to buy new ones all the time. The EU is working on a directive to do just this.
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We also need to make producers responsible for the end of life of their products. This is called Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR. The idea is that it gives companies more incentive to make products that last and can be recycled.
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Finally, tax policies can play a big role. We should be making it cheaper to repair things and buy recycled products, while taxing things that are harmful to the planet. Some countries have already started to reduce taxes on repairs which is a step in the right direction.
It’s important to remember that policy is just one part of the puzzle. We also need money flowing to the right places and people with the right skills to make this circular economy a reality. It’s going to take everyone working together to make a real change.