As discussion about Australia's transition to a circular economy builds, sustainability sceptics may be tempted to shrug it off as the latest buzzword.
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Yet a closer look at our history shows that the practice is not just a modern fad but is based on how our ancestors managed resources. In fact, the principles of a circular economy have been a part of everyday life for centuries, by necessity rather than ideology.
Our grandparents, and their parents before them, lived in times when nothing was wasted. Milk bottles were returned and refilled, clothes were mended and passed down from child to child, and food scraps ended up in the dog bowl or garden.
These habits weren't just thrifty; they were a necessary part of life.
Our ancestors understood the value of resources, and their lifestyle was the original case-study for the practical application of circular economy principles, long before the term was coined.
Today, these principles are being adapted to fit our modern world through policies like the Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy (ESPP) and the recommendations of the Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group (CEMAG) interim report.
These initiatives are not about reinventing the world but reviving and scaling the wisdom of old to meet today's global challenges.
The ESPP, which takes effect this July, aims to ensure that government procurement prioritises purchases that are durable, environmentally friendly, and designed to have minimal impact on our planet.
This policy leverages the substantial purchasing power of the government to drive markets for sustainable products, materials and services, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and extending the lifespan of our built environment.
The CEMAG's interim report provides a blueprint for integrating circular economy principles across various sectors of the economy. The report emphasises enhancing material efficiency, reducing energy demands, minimising waste and achieving net zero emissions.
These recommendations are geared not only towards environmental sustainability but also towards creating economic opportunities and nurturing innovation in Australian industries.
By embracing these principles, we are not just adopting a trend but are making a conscious decision to safeguard our environment for future generations while driving economic prosperity. The circular economy model creates a system where materials are reused and repurposed to their fullest extent, which not only conserves resources but also stimulates new industries and job opportunities.
Imagine a future where your electronic waste is reprocessed into valuable materials, where your car shares parts with other models to simplify repairs and reduce costs, and where your home energy system is part of a community grid that reduces waste and saves money. These aren't pipe dreams but achievable realities under a circular economy framework.
In remembering the lessons learned from our grandparents about resource conservation and applying them through modern policies, we ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all Australians.
The circular economy is not a new concept, but a timeless philosophy reimagined for our modern world.
- Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew is a member of the Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group
