Circular economy and the notion of "Zero waste life"
We have all heard about sustainable development goals. Some may know it through learning them in school. Or some who have heard of it through the United Nations systems. Nonetheless, Goal 12 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): responsible consumption and production, is known for being the hardest to achieve even in decades. This goal embodies the essence of a “zero waste life” because the process of obtaining zero waste is not merely about eliminating all the waste in the world; instead, it is about optimizing the way we reuse and recycle existing resources efficiently so that we can eliminate the need for greater production of short-lived and disposable goods. Thus, to achieve a “zero waste life” the economy must shift from a linear economy, an economic system based on collecting raw materials used to create consumers, to a circular one that functions as a closed-looped system where the production of goods goes through a process of reuse, sharing, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling. Pursuing a circular economy prolongs the duration in which products can be utilized and reduces the greater production of goods, thereby diminishing the creation of waste and pollution. Yet, despite the compelling advantages of a circular economy, significant obstacles remain in initiating this transition.
SDG goal 12
The primary obstacle that repels society from transitioning into a circular economy is throw-away culture, overconsumption, and excessive production of short-lived or disposable products propelled by consumerism. As companies began manufacturing improved, updated products at a faster rate, it created a culture in which people felt pressured to keep up with the latest trends, causing them to purchase the newest items while discarding their old ones. The perpetuation of the throw-away culture generates a vicious cycle of overproduction of goods that are not recyclable or reusable, which eventually end up as waste in landfills and irrigation systems, damaging the environment in the process.
However, there are solutions to mitigate the consequences of the throw-away culture. Promoting movements, such as the Right to Repair movement, that encourage people to become more involved in changing their lifestyle to replace disposable products with more durable and sustainable products can take us one step closer to shifting the consumerism mindset of the people. However, in order to compel consumers to change their purchasing behavior to a further extent, leading companies should highlight the need to better the environment through marketing strategies concentrating on improving the durability of their products and ensuring that repairing and refurbishing opportunities are accessible to the consumers.
Yet, merely requesting companies to alter their marketing strategies is inadequate in compelling them to truly initiate change. Countries and governments must also intervene by devising stringent standards and guidelines for corporations to follow in order to ensure that they keep manufacturing eco-friendly products. For instance, the United Kingdom imposed a tax on plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content to certify that products can be effectively recycled, adhering to one of the processes in the production of goods in the circular economy.
With unified efforts of consumers, companies, and governments, our society can effectively transition from a linear economy to a circular one, increasing the productivity of existing resources and thereby decreasing the amount of waste produced. By ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, we will successfully attain “zero waste life.”
The significance of modern technology and architecture:
In order to accomplish global sustainability, Tesoc Hah, a distinguished expert in architecture and technology, has remained loyal to the notion of promoting a sustainable lifestyle through designs of contemporary architecture.
Tesoc Hah, Architect, CEO, SCALe - Chairman, Future City Society - AADip, RIBA
For instance, in 2018, Hah publicly presented the IM house concept (Interactive Mass-customized house). The IM house, the Interactive Mass-customized House was equipped with a context-aware artificial intelligence system that has the ability to scan its surroundings and adjust the shape of the building itself. This groundbreaking concept became widely recognized in the field of sustainable architecture and technologies.
IM House, Tesoc Hah
Such an example is a physical rendering of Hah’s long-term goals which have always been inspired by two quotes. The first quote that he refers to is “less is more”, stated by renowned architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Although this statement may seem overly simplistic, it conveys an essential message linked to sustainability that Hah specializes in. The message/theme that Hah wants to indicate is that any goal is possible and achievable once we try our best to play an improved role in society that can advance the world. For instance, Hah’s “National Children Science Museum project, established in 2017, was built for the sole purpose of “responding to visitors by combining architecture and cutting-edge science and technology with the concept of a living science museum.” In addition, it helps younger generations to comprehend the scientific principles that are vital for life; in an uncomplicated way.
National Children Science Museum, Tesoc Hah
Additionally, Hah also applied the quote, “more with less”, stated by American architect Buckminster Fuller. This quote captures the essence of collaboration that can lead to destined success in achievement. This quote itself concentrates on the importance of conserving materials while simultaneously attempting to achieve a certain level of sustainability. Through Hah’s active contribution for over 10 years in this field, the world has developed not only technologically, but beneficially as well.
In compliance with the quotes mentioned above, Hah presented brilliant architectural ideas that truly changed the field of design on a global scale. Aside from the “Interactive Mass-customized House”, he mentioned building public programs by adding renewed systems such as breathing curtain walls, solar condition foundations, and natural ventilation, can provide long-term benefits. By implementing these additions, the concept of zero-waste can become a reality; thus, a circular economy will become viable and allow people to live healthier lives while experiencing an innovative change in architecture and technology.