Turning Waste into Wealth: How a Circular Economy Can Combat Climate Change – Insights from The Nation Newspaper

Recycling and sustainable innovation are changing how we see waste. In cities around the globe, piles of plastic, old electronics, and tons of food waste tell a story of consumption gone awry. But what if we could turn that trash into treasure? The circular economy is doing just that. It rethinks waste, turning it from a problem into a solution for a sustainable future.

Traditionally, our economy has followed a “take-make-dispose” model. While this has fueled industrial growth, it has also resulted in overflowing landfills and polluted oceans. The circular economy suggests a new way: keep resources in use as long as possible. It aims to get the most value from materials, then regenerate them instead of throwing them away. This means old tires can become new road surfaces and food scraps can produce biogas. By making materials circulate endlessly, we reduce the pressure on natural resources and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

In many developing regions, like Africa, entrepreneurs are embracing this model. For instance, Nigeria’s Wecyclers and Trash2Wealth turn household waste into income. Local collectors gather recyclables, helping to clean up communities while earning money. Similarly, Kenyan innovators are transforming agricultural waste into eco-friendly packaging, reducing deforestation and creating new jobs. These initiatives show that taking care of the environment can also lift people out of poverty.

Globally, industries are starting to adopt circular principles. Fashion brands recycle clothing into new materials, tech companies design electronics that can be repaired, and construction firms use recycled materials to build greener cities. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, embracing the circular economy could cut global carbon emissions by up to 39% by 2032. This is a major step toward the goals set in the Paris Agreement.

For the circular economy to thrive, strong policies and public support are crucial. Governments can incentivize recycling through tax breaks, enforce waste separation laws, and invest in recycling facilities. Education is key too; people need to learn that waste doesn’t just disappear—it needs a place to go.

Countries like Rwanda and Sweden are leading the way. They have banned single-use plastics and invested in repair industries. Meanwhile, Nigeria is starting to adopt similar measures, incorporating waste-to-energy projects into its climate strategy.

Despite its potential, the circular economy faces challenges. Weak infrastructure and limited recycling systems can slow progress. Many products aren’t designed to be reused or taken apart easily. However, with investment and a commitment to innovation, these obstacles can be overcome.

The shift to a circular economy is not just an environmental necessity; it’s an opportunity for economic growth. By closing the loop between making, using, and discarding, we can move from pollution to prosperity.

As climate change accelerates, the circular economy offers a hopeful path forward. It reimagines a world where our progress isn’t at the expense of the planet. Instead, it encourages us to envision a future where everything we use can be reused and nothing goes to waste.

• Adeleye (Ph.D., Ibadan) is a researcher focused on Environmental Pollution and Control.

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