Our current (over)consumption behavior is no longer tenable. Fortunately, besides Nature Bar, there are many other initiatives who all try to make the world more sustainable. In 2016, the Dutch government has set great goals to ensure that circular business is no longer the exception, but the new standard. In 2030, 50% less primary raw materials must be used, and in 2050 the Netherlands must even have a fully circular economy!
Unfortunately, the transition to the circular economy is not going as fast as we would like to see. In particular, prevention of overconsumption and regulations at European and national level are currently lagging behind. Fortunately, as a consumer you are making an impact with every decision you make. Below we have collected 8 simple and practical tips that you can use to contribute yourself to a circular economy.
Would you like to know more about a circular economy and circular products? Click here for more information.
How to contribute to a circular economy?
Start small, for example with these easy-to-apply tips.
- Own less and share more. Instead of buying things you don’t need often, you can also borrow them more and more often. Think of a clothing library, baby stuff and sites like Peerby.
- If you really need things, buy these items second-hand. Clothing, furniture, appliances and even art, so many beautiful things have already been made. Plus isn’t it much more fun to own a unique item than a dime a dozen couch?
- Waste less food. Did you know that in the Netherlands we throw away more than 30% of all our food? Freeze leftovers or use them in a tasty soup or quiche.
- Give raw materials a new life. For example, each soap and shampoo bar contains a circular ingredient. Think of a body soap with orange peels, which are now given a second life because they are still super valuable for your skin.
- Buy quality clothes. A fast fashion T-shirt has often faded after a few washes and is ready for the trash. Rather buy a better quality item that will last a long time.
- Repairing is always better than throwing it away. Is your coffee maker leaking? Take it to a repair cafe. Hole or stain in your clothes? Visit your local tailor.
- Hand in electrical appliances. A fantastic example is NoWa. They make sustainable jewelry from pure gold and silver, extracted directly from recycled mobile phones.
- Eat less meat, so less water, feed and fuel need to be used. The industry with the most CO2 emissions is the meat industry.
Why I am a fan of the circular economy?
Worldwide, population and prosperity are growing. As a result, the demand for raw materials is increasing, while the raw materials themselves are rapidly declining. This also creates more and more waste. A circular economy offers many solutions. With a circular economy, we are less dependent on scarce raw materials. And fewer raw materials are needed to make circular products. Ultimately, this also results in less waste. So a win-win-win situation.
The Netherlands has set itself the goal of having a fully circular economy by 2050. Let’s get started to make this dream come true together!