PIDP 3100 Blog Post # 1 - Circular Techonomy
- Patrick Amurao
- Oct 26, 2022
- 3 min read
There is no doubt that technology will be with us as we drive forward into the future. Tech industry is one of the key drivers of change in the economy. In fact, 2021 global statistics shows that tech industry worth roughly $5.2 trillion. North America receives 35% of this money, followed by Asia at 32%, and Europe at 22% of this money. The United States in particular leads the tech industry with an estimated worth of 1.6 trillion. This doesn’t stop there, as the tech industry is also estimated to grow another 5% through 2024.
As technology drives us forward into the future, there is undeniably a huge amount of waste left behind. In fact, the Global E-waste Monitor 2020 report shows that there are 53.6 million tons of e-waste dumped globally. Consumer electronics were a huge part of this waste, followed by household appliances, TV, and computer equipment. Our waste could lead to serious problems if it continues to move linearly.
Circular economy is a concept that is proposed to tackle waste and promote regeneration of nature by segregation and keeping waste material moving in a cycle. Circular economy is defined as the greening of industries. Promotion of sustainable production, manufacturing, energy consumption, and resourcing materials. Circular economy aims for sustainability. With this approach we can reduce or even eliminate waste if we take it seriously. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation explained how we can contribute to a greener future by emphasizing the circular model.
Ellen MacArthur’s take about circular economy
Here's a butterfly model discussed by Ellen MacArthur. This illustrates the continuous movement of material through its stage. Each cycle is divided into two main types - the technical cycle and the biological cycle. This blog focuses on the "maintaining/prolonging" stage of the technical lifecycle.
As Ellen MacArthur explained, repairing is another key option for prolonging consumer electronics and preventing them from becoming e-waste. This is the current trend in the tech industry. The tech giant Apple Inc. took the first step by designing iPhones with easy reparability. This is one of the company's methods for reducing e-waste. Another consumer electronics retailer such as Best Buy Co. Inc promotes trade-in, recycling, and repair programs. By repairing and reconditioning these electronic devices, it gives them a second chance to perform at their optimal level. This type of approach to consumer electronics will provide continuous flow of materials in the circular economy. Ensuring proper disposal of e-waste will allow more materials to be recycled back into the circular flow. As a result of this trend, the electronic repair industry is expected to grow further.
A transition to a circular economy could provide regeneration and sustainability of life on our planet, as we have been consuming enormous quantities of global resources. Overconsumption of resources puts the earth out of its balance. It's important to remember that we have the power to shape our future. Today is the chance to make a difference. Let us take care of the planet that gave us life and the opportunity to witness the beauty of nature.
Link to the article: https://techonomy.com/the-future-is-circular/?utm_content=213395088&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-80069355
Reference:
Hamilton, C. (2022, July 8). The future is circular. Techonomy. https://techonomy.com/the-future-is-circular/?utm_content=213395088&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-80069355
Households and the environment survey, 2021. (2022, July 18). Statistics Canada: Canada's national statistical agency / Statistique Canada : Organisme statistique national du Canada. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220718/dq220718c-eng.htm
Johnson, B. (2021, February 11). Protecting our planet is part of Best Buy’s business. Best Buy Corporate News and Information. https://corporate.bestbuy.com/protecting-our-planet-is-part-of-best-buys-business/
Kan, M. (2022, September 19). IFixit: Apple's iPhone 14 is its most repairable in years. PCMAG. https://www.pcmag.com/news/ifixit-apples-iphone-14-is-its-most-repairable-in-years
(n.d.). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBEvJwTxs4w&t=41s
The butterfly diagram: Visualising the circular economy. (n.d.). How to Build a Circular Economy | Ellen MacArthur Foundation. https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy-diagram
Zippia. "25 Trending Tech Industry Statistics [2022]: The State of the U.S. Tech Industry" Zippia.com. Sep. 22, 2022, https://www.zippia.com/advice/tech-industry-statistics/
Photo Reference
Comments