Germany at the turning point: circular economy for sustainable future!

Germany at the turning point: circular economy for sustainable future!

Deutschland - In the German economy, the linear model, which has been with us for generations, is increasingly criticized. It consumes resources regardless of the environment and the future, which burdens both humans and nature. The dependence on imports of critical raw materials makes many industries susceptible to disorders in international supply chains. This has not only economic, but also ecological consequences, as the Bertelsmann Foundation in its current project for Circular Economy

A look at the numbers shows the need for action: only 13.9 percent of the materials used in Germany come from recycled waste. In order to increase this value, we need innovative approaches. Products must be redesigned and the delivery and disposal chains must be reconsidered. This is not just a way to reduce the negative effects of resource consumption, but also an opportunity for the stagnating German economy - it can gain creative solutions to market positions and open up new markets.

circular economy as an answer

The circular economy, a concept that reuse, repair and recycling puts the solution here. The idea is to keep raw materials in the closed circuit and to minimize waste and pollution. According to Lawcode , global raw material consumption has exploded in recent decades, which has not only led to the exhaustion of natural resources, but also drives the loss of biological diversity.

with the Earth Overhoot Day, who fell on August 1st last year, it becomes clear annually how urgently we have to rethink our resource consumption. For Germany, the situation shows even earlier: the Country Overhoot Day will be dated to May 3 this year. This means that we have already exhausted all the regenerative capacities of the earth for this year.

The role of recycling

recycling is a central component of the circular economy. However, there are other important approaches that must not be neglected. Longevity, intensity of use and even the idea of sharing economy promote resource conservation. As the Environmental Federal Agency can help, precise calculation approaches and indicators can help to assess the contribution and limits of recycling sensibly. A careful analysis is particularly indispensable for metals that a key role in the energy and climate-loving games.

The goal is clear: Germany can and must become a pioneer in the implementation of a comprehensive circular economy. Through the development of robust, repairable products, the focus on recycling and reusability, as well as the promotion of social and ecological responsibility, our country can not only benefit economically, but also make an important contribution to the environment and society.

The challenges are great, but with a coordinated approach and a nationwide ecosystem for circular economy, change can succeed. The time to act is now - because there is something!