A new study by Charles Darwin University shows how the circular economy concept can benefit community development.
The circular economy concept is often thought of as a model to eliminate waste and pollution, but Charles Darwin University reveals that when applied thoughtfully, circular approaches can create jobs, strengthen local economies, improve public health and more.
Circular economies are a system which aims to minimise waste by keeping materials, products and resources in use for as long as possible. It is considered a key strategy for societies to transition into being more resource-efficient and more environmentally friendly.
The university’s latest study, led by senior lecturer in business Michael Odei Erdiaw-Kwasie and outstanding future researcher in psychosocial resilience Matthew Abunyewah, examined the cooperation and trade-offs between circular economy initiatives.
The study also examined four core goals of community development – resilience, social inclusion, empowerment and social equity.
Results show three recurring challenges. The first challenge involves investment in circular infrastructure being costly.
“Local governments often struggle to find them despite long-term benefits such as jobs, lower waste costs and cleaner air,” Charles Darwin University says.
The second challenge is that some circular business models use large companies to control data, revenue and repair services – minimising job opportunities for smaller businesses and local communities.
Charles Darwin University adds the third challenge is when new tools or programs do not match how people already reuse, repair or handle materials, they do not adopt these processes.
Achieving sustainable outcomes
Erdiaw-Kwasie says many have expressed concerns about the absence of societal development goals and the need to scale up social and environmental activities as corporate circular economy actions intensify.
“To achieve sustainable outcomes, circular strategies must incorporate social processes and structures,” he says.
An example of how circular economies can support community development is with Vietnam fashion textiles manufacturer Saitex. Saitex implements circular strategies such as waste reduction, water conservation and onsite renewable energy production – while creating thousands of jobs for people with disabilities.
Erdiaw-Kwasie notes diversity leads to development of more innovative and effective circular economy solutions that address the needs of a broader range of stakeholders.
He adds that from the evidence, there were several steps policymakers and practitioners could make to ensure the circular economy concept benefits community development.
This includes realigning goals to set community development objectives alongside material-efficacy targets and investing in local skills and smaller businesses to allow communities to engage in and manage circular enterprises and infrastructure.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Unsplash
