Ministry: Circular economy prioritizes ecosystem-centric approach
MINSK, 14 April (BelTA) – The circular economy cannot function without the support of ecosystems, Sergei Khrushchev, the head of the main department of sustainable development of the Belarusian Economy Ministry, told a press conference on 13 April, BelTA has learned.
The green economy traditionally seeks to define the problem, whereas the circular economy is aimed at creating tools for solving environmental and energy problems. “That is, the green economy replaces the negative impact of fossil fuels with cleaner alternatives. The circular economy extends the life cycle of the product, presents its model of production and consumption, including the sharing, maintenance, recovery and recycling of materials, products. Therefore, the circular economy makes part of the environment and cannot function without a focus on supporting ecosystems,» Sergei Khrushchev said.
In his words, one of the global goals of sustainable development is responsible consumption and production. According to the latest data, the global economy is circular by only 7.2%.
The head of the department also named the results of the country’s efforts to implement the principles of the green economy. As for waste management the country has introduced a system of separate collection of household waste. As for green energy, the country builds power plants generating heat and electricity from renewable sources. As far as the development of green transport is concerned, the country works on the production and implementation of electric road and rail transport. As for agriculture, the country provides environmentally friendly raw materials and products to other sectors of the economy. Other results should include environmentally friendly chemical and biological industry, the use of energy-efficient, resource-saving, environmentally friendly technologies in construction, education for sustainable development, and eco-tourism.
“Each of us can contribute as consumers, because we directly influence what kind of economic model will develop in our society. If we purchase durable goods, repair things instead of buying new ones, practice sharing things, then we generally have an impact on supporting the circular economy,” Sergei Khrushchev said.
