"Zero Waste" is an approach to resource and waste management based on circularity. It promotes sustainable production and consumption habits and encourages the efficient use of resources. Zero waste entails avoiding wastefulness and advocating for the prevention, reduction, reuse, and recycling of waste. This can help achieve positive socio-economic outcomes, including the development of social solidarity.
The circular economy is an economic system that aims to eliminate waste and pollution by keeping products, components, and materials in use for as long as possible. This is in contrast to the traditional linear economy, which is based on the take-make-dispose model.
The circular economy is based on three principles:
Reduce, reuse, and recycle: This principle aims to reduce the amount of waste produced by minimizing the use of materials and resources in the first place. When waste is unavoidable, it should be reused or recycled as much as possible.
Design for longevity: This principle aims to design products and materials so that they can be used for as long as possible. This can be done by making products more durable, repairable, and upgradable.
Close the loop: This principle aims to keep products, components, and materials in use within the economy for as long as possible. This can be done by collecting and recycling waste materials, or by designing products that can be easily disassembled and reused.
The circular economy has a number of benefits, including:
Reduced waste and pollution: The circular economy can help to reduce the amount of waste and pollution produced by our economy. This is because it aims to keep products, components, and materials in use for as long as possible, which reduces the need to extract new resources and produce new products.
Improved resource efficiency: The circular economy can help to improve the resource efficiency of our economy. This is because it aims to minimize the use of materials and resources in the first place, and to maximize the reuse and recycling of waste materials.
Sustainable economic growth: The circular economy can help to promote sustainable economic growth. This is because it can help to reduce the costs of waste disposal, and to create new jobs in the recycling and reuse industries.
Here are some examples of circular economy practices:
Recycling: This is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and products. Recycling can help to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, and it can also conserve natural resources.
Repair: This is the process of fixing broken or damaged products. Repair can help to extend the lifespan of products, and it can also save money.
Reuse: This is the process of using products again for their intended purpose. Reuse can help to reduce the amount of waste produced, and it can also save money.
Upcycling: This is the process of transforming waste materials into new products with higher value. Upcycling can help to reduce the amount of waste produced, and it can also create new jobs.
The circular economy is a promising new way of thinking about economics. It has the potential to reduce waste and pollution, improve resource efficiency, and promote sustainable economic growth. As we move towards a more sustainable future, the circular economy will play an increasingly important role.
As Istanbul Okan University, we also support the Zero Waste project, which was launched by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization of the Republic of Turkey in June 2017, within the framework of sustainable development principles, in order to control waste and leave a clean, developed and livable world to future generations.
Istanbul Okan University, which established a Zero Waste Management System in accordance with the Zero Waste Regulation, which came into force after being published in the Official Gazette dated 12 July 2019 and numbered 30829, was entitled to receive a Zero Waste Certificate on 18 January 2021 with this initiative.
Okan University Health Application and Research Center Zero Waste Certificate
