The cost of not prioritizing a circular economy
‘Sustainability practices’, ‘circular economy’, and ‘greening your business’ – for most companies, in most parts of the world, these are functions of business that are seen as important to have, but which are not prioritised over strategic business decisions. Yes, perhaps in some cases businesses are regulated to implement environment-conserving actions, or resource scarcities such as energy shortages have forced alternative options to be applied. The question remains: are businesses really living, breathing and prioritising circular economy practices?
The time is now. The entire world – each one of us, on this planet – is affected by at least one of the by-products of poor environmental practices. Wet markets, animal trafficking, poor living conditions; all these contributed to a virus that (among other tragedies) has unravelled our economy. This time it was a virus, which to some degree can be managed by social distancing. What unthinkable events await us in the future? What aspect of the way that society exploits the planet and its resources will manifest next, in an event that will threaten our very existence?
“Today, the CEOs of some of the world’s biggest companies, policymakers, philanthropists, academics, and other influential individuals have reaffirmed their commitment to building a circular economy. Together we can build an economy that is distributed, diverse, and inclusive.” – Dame Ellen MacArthur (Founder, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation)
It’s time we saw the link between our everyday business activities and the expense we may have to incur if we don’t consider our environment. Not implementing a circular economy is too risky, too costly. What can each of us do in our day-to-day lives, both at home and at our places of work, that will contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals?
These 17 goals address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. The 17 Goals are all interconnected; and in order to leave no one behind, it is important that we achieve them all by 2030.
The societal and economic upset we have experienced in 2020 has presented an opportunity to change, reboot and reinvent ourselves. For those who can, who are in a position to set policy, write guidelines, and perhaps even pass regulations to better serve our planet, now is the time – while human nature is still motivated to do so. We need new systems that will prioritise a circular economy and allow a new wave of business structures to rise.
Contact the ACEN (African Circular Economy Network) for support in making the change. ACEN cooperates with specialists from Africa in the many fields of expertise required to build an African Circular Economy, as well as with network representatives from around the globe. Today, ACEN has representatives from North, West, East and Southern Africa. For a local contact, try Circular-vision – a Cape Town firm with experience in assessing opportunities for a circular economy.