IN our relentless march towards progress, we have adhered to a model of "take, make, dispose". Malaysians waste 8.3 million metric tonnes of food annually, about 260kg per person.
The increase in solid waste is caused by population growth, lifestyle changes, and rapid urbanisation and development.
It is estimated that Malaysia will run out of space for landfills by 2050.
The issue of waste cannot be tolerated any more.
Enter the circular economy model where resources are cherished, recycled and used to their fullest potential.
This model challenges us to eliminate waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use for as long as possible, and regenerate our natural systems.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation said adopting a circular economy could cut greenhouse gas emissions by 22 to 44 per cent by 2050, mitigating the impact of climate change.
The World Economic Forum estimates that transitioning to a circular economy could generate US$4.5 trillion in economic benefits by 2030, highlighting its potential for sustainable growth.
Governments are recognising the need for a circular economy shift.
In Malaysia, the National Circular Economy Council has agreed to legislative changes for solid waste management.
This legislative push aims to create an act covering the product lifecycle from production to post-consumer use.
Once hailed as a miracle material, plastic has become one of humanity's biggest blunders.
With 91 per cent of plastic waste never recycled, polluting our oceans and landfills, this reality underscores the need for a shift to bio-based materials.
Innovative concepts such as biomimicry and cradle-to-cradle design are crucial in this transition.
Biomimicry draws inspiration from natural systems and organisms to create efficient and resilient sustainable processes and products for human use.
Cradle-to-cradle design considers the lifecycle of products, ensuring they can be reclaimed or reused at the end of their life, unlike the cradle-to-grave approach.
Transitioning to a circular economy is not a walk in the park. It is a paradigm shift that demands a radical transformation in how we perceive and interact with resources.
Businesses must embrace sustainable sourcing, opting for materials with minimal environmental impact from responsibly managed sources, while governments must incentivise and support these practices through legislation and infrastructure development.
Offices can implement recycling programmes, reduce paper usage and opt for sustainable office supplies.
Even hawker stalls can contribute by using biodegradable packaging and minimising food waste.
The success of this transformation requires igniting a spark of awareness and responsibility within the public consciousness.
The public must be awakened to the reality that our linear model is a ticking time bomb, depleting finite resources and choking our planet with waste.
DR PRAVEENA NAIR SIVASANKARAN
Senior lecturer, School of Engineering,
Faculty of Innovation & Technology
Taylor's University
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times