What is a circular economy and how can it help us preserve the planet?
In order to achieve meaningful change for the sake of our planet, our relationship with nature must evolve. One way to achieve that is through a revaluation of nature, where we acknowledge the true value it holds and shift previous ideas of nature’s worth. To do this, we have to consider the true cost of losing the benefits and protections that nature provides, and how that cost will be passed onto future generations.
When we think about the economics of a healthy and just planet, there are a few key concepts to consider. Today, we typically associate the terms “capital” and “value” with one thing: money. But what about natural capital? Natural Capital is the world’s stock of natural assets: geology, soil, air, water, lifeforms, and more. The economy relies on natural capital as the building block of almost everything, yet the connection between our environments and economies is often ignored.
Our current economic system puts profit over the planet and people. However, concepts like true cost accounting address this by looking at the impact on the environment, climate, biodiversity and public health when determining the actual cost of any product. For example, adopting a true cost model globally would inspire policy and economic interventions that favor sustainable production and consumption of products and food. Check out this short video from Lexicon of Sustainability to explore the concept further.
Right now, society functions within a linear model: make, use, throw away. The result is increased pollution, carbon emissions, exploitation of resources, and waste. Instead, we should be moving towards a circular economy. A circular economy works by recycling waste products. It has three core principles: reducing waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. According to a 2023 CGRI report, switching to a circular economy is critical to limit global warming but the global economy is currently only 7.2% circular.
“So we can’t save the world by playing by the rules. Because the rules have to be changed. Everything needs to change. And it has to start today.”
– Greta Thunberg, activist and environmentalist
Unfortunately, we cannot change our economy overnight, so what can we do? When making purchases, look for brands that have sustainability as a core value of the business model. We’re proud to highlight how our partner, Everyone, embodies this by creating organic plant-based products from sustainably farmed ingredients. Companies that value sustainability are vital in allowing us, as consumers, to value nature within the constraints of the current non-circular economy — as are organizations like Climate Stories Project that shares the climate experiences of individuals all across the world varying from nature appreciation to current crises that may be threatening their natural environments – those that we can all learn from.
Revaluing the economics of nature is far from the only step we need to take; we also need to rethink our legal relationship with the natural world. Nature should have certain rights protected by law.
By accepting the fact that humans are dependent on rather than dominant over ecosystems, we can begin to see nature as deserving of specific rights, similar to human rights. This is not as big of a stretch as it may sound. After all, the United States has already granted corporations legal personhood under the Constitution’s first and fourteenth amendments.
Over the last decade, countries have begun pioneering ‘the rights of nature movement.’ In 2017, a court in India finally recognized the Rights of the Ganges River. Polluting or harming the river will now have the same legal implications as doing so to a human.
Another exciting event occurred in 2017 when New Zealand’s parliament passed a law granting the Whanganui River legal personhood. That ruling gave dual guardianship of the river to the Māori people and the government of New Zealand, settling a long dispute between the two groups. This law can serve as an excellent model for how the rights of nature should be allocated globally. Once legal personhood is granted to an ecosystem, a guardian must be chosen to protect its rights. Often Indigenous peoples are best suited to assume guardianship, yet federal governments are hesitant to grant that power. By formally granting the Māori people a say in the river’s guardianship, New Zealand’s government has acknowledged that giving nature legal rights upholds the Indigenous tradition of valuing nature. As Māori activist Gerald Albert said, “For the first time, a framework stems from the intrinsic spiritual values of an Indigenous belief system.”
Giving rights to nature might seem like a shiny, new legal concept, but it’s not. Indigenous peoples across the world have been viewing nature as sacred and worthy of praise and protection for thousands of years. Currently, 80% of all biodiversity can be attributed to indigenous people’s efforts of protecting land. Valuing natural ecosystems just as you would value a human is only innovative in the framework of modern Western political systems. In rethinking our relationship with nature and moving forward on our journeys as environmentalists, we look to Indigenous communities for examples to guide us.
Our Partner, WildAwake, is dedicated to connecting humans to the earth through multiple forms of media and creative ventures. Only once the world can recognize the true value of nature can we begin to save it, once and for all.
Thousands of corporations and businesses with significant power to make a difference do leverage for-profit enterprises for positive global impact. One way businesses commit to reducing inequality, lowering levels of poverty, working toward a healthier environment, strengthening communities, and creating quality jobs with dignity and purpose is by becoming a Certified B Corporation. B Corps use profit and growth to yield a positive impact for people, the environment, and the economy — commonly referred to as a triple bottom line.
To get started, watch these videos here and here to understand the positive impact businesses can have on the Earth. Then browse the B Corp website and 1% for the Planet directories to become familiar with companies that stand for change.
Research one B Corp or 1% for the Planet member. Better yet, see if you can find a local “B-1” (certified B Corporation and 1% for the Planet member). How does that business integrate a triple bottom line into its business model? Share at least two ways it benefits people, planet, and economy.
Post a graphic, block of text or image and caption on Instagram that encourages others to seek out companies using business as a force for good. Be sure to tag @TurningGreenOrg, @1PercentFTP and @BCorporation, as well as #PGC2023.
Upload your results and responses in a PDF document including a screenshot of your social post. Include your name (or team name), username, and school on your upload.
Submission Guidelines
Giving legal rights to the natural world might seem like a distant goal, but in the last few years, advocates and governments have already started to do so. Would you ever consider working to push the boundaries of environmental law in order to make the rights of nature even more of a reality? That is one among many professional paths available to you!
As you’ve read, countries like New Zealand and Ecuador already have rights of nature laws and legislation in place. First, compare your region or country to the rest of the world and think about how the rights of nature movement in your region can evolve and follow examples to grow.
Next, identify how the rights of nature movement is already affecting your country or region. You’ll find interesting policies or policy proposals by looking at environmental nonprofits that specialize in this, like Earth Law Center, NRDC or Earthjustice.
Finally, introduce us to the team, person or organization pushing for this policy. Consider how communities around the globe can learn from the examples of bold, innovative policy makers.
Post an introduction to the policy and changemaking organization to Instagram with a caption acknowledging the importance of the work to give nature the rights it deserves. Tag @TurningGreenOrg, organizations or leaders your reference, #PGC2023 and #RightsOfNature.
Upload your responses in a PDF document including a screenshot of your social post. Include your name (or team name), username, and school on your upload to be eligible to win.
Submission Guidelines
Some businesses do an excellent job incorporating sustainability and environmental principles into work, operations, products and/or services. However, far too many companies contribute to climate degradation. We need great minds like yours to innovate, shake up industries, shift consumer and corporate practices, and use business as a lever to better our Earth and society.
Put your new economics knowledge to work! As a young entrepreneur, imagine that it’s time to start your own business — and one of your highest priorities is establishing a green, sustainable, ethical company.
Post your video on Instagram (and any other social media platforms), tagging @TurningGreenOrg and #PGC2023, as well as any leaders, companies or organizations you reference.
Upload your responses in a PDF document including a screenshot of your social post. Include your name (or team name), username, and school on your upload to be eligible to win.
Submission Guidelines
Up to 10 Greener and 10 Greenest outstanding submissions will be selected as winners.
Each Greener Winner will receive:
Each Greenest Winner will receive:
