The practice of linear economy, where production does not see unused materials as valuable, has cost society a lot of disadvantages. This make-and-throw-away system means that we continue to generate waste at a rapid rate.
The majority of global waste ends up in landfills, streams, and, eventually, the oceans. Recently, for example, single-use item waste has been drastically increased to the COVID-19 pandemic. A study from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) showed that the pandemic generated over 8 million tons of plastic waste around the world, and over 25,000 tons of that waste entered the ocean. However, despite the staggering amount of waste, less than 20% of global waste is recycled every year.
The current waste problem directly results from how we produce and consume things. The linear economy poses a major risk to both ecological and economic disadvantages.
Ecological disadvantages:
- Excessive usage of natural resources leaves our ecosystem in jeopardy. Deforestation and mining, for example, have taken away the homes of many species and left society prone to more natural disasters and diseases.
- Many natural resources, including mineral and fossil fuels, are non-renewable, meaning they will eventually run out.
- The production line produces so much waste that it pollutes the soil, water, and the atmosphere.
Economic disadvantages:
- Fluctuating raw material prices create risk in the market. It can happen because some materials like indium and chromium that are used in production are scarce.
- Demands are rising due to the growth of the middle class, yet the raw materials available in nature continue to deplete. Eventually, companies need to find alternatives and solutions to manage their resources.
Sustainable waste management can become a solution to tackle the current waste problem. One of the innovations is organic waste recycling, where food waste is turned into organic fertilizer with composting. The process only took 1-3 months until it was ready to harvest. For industrial scale, it opens business opportunities by selling the compost in a broader market reach.
Not only sorting different types of waste, but sustainable waste management should also be able to put valuable material back into the production line or upcycle them into brand-new products in market circulation. Companies should find innovative ways to benefit the environment and business profitability.
In 2022, Liberty Society and Blibli Cinta Bumi took 500 kgs of e-commerce waste and turned them into 2,000 upcycled products. The green initiative was followed by a campaign to promote a better waste management system to consumers. The products are exhibited and sold during a 4-week exhibition at ASHTA District 8 from 11th November - 4th December, having 400,000+ foot traffic impressions. The campaign has successfully impacted both the environment and the business in positive ways.
Liberty Society can reduce companies' waste production through waste management and upcycling services. Many materials, including plastic, textile, and cardboard that are collected through the process will become valuable merchandise or souvenirs for all types of purposes. Connect with Liberty Society to find out how we can help you create better waste management for your company.