The Power of Circular Procurement – Could This New Approach Save Our Planet?

November 18, 2021

Ready to put an end to climate change? Read this blog to learn more about the power of circular procurement and how this new approach could save our planet.

Did you know that climate change is still reversible if the human race takes action to stop it? Are you aware of how businesses, governments and individuals contribute to this impending devastation? Do you want to do your part to save the planet?

The fundamental goal of this circular procurement chapter is to make these answers known, creating a map for a greener, brighter and more sustainable future. With a current system addicted to consumption and the wasting of natural resources, it’s time to rethink, reassess and restart.

Circular procurement is the answer.

Keep reading this blog to discover more about our circular procurement: the vigorous power with disruptive impact chapter and what you can expect to learn from it.

The Importance of Circular Procurement

Written as part of the Circular Economy Alliance’s Body of Knowledge, this circular procurement chapter maps out how we can begin to use fewer scarce resources, re-evaluate demand and build a more sustainable society.

Every year, the world creates 20.1 billion tonnes of waste. This figure acts as a stark reminder that a more circular system, one which recycles, reuses and repurposes, has never been more in demand.

Put simply, circular procurement is the use of purchasing power to achieve a significant positive impact in the spheres of ecology and economy. By elongating the lifespan of products, we can reduce waste and save the planet from the impending climate crisis.

Why the Current Linear System Is Failing the Planet

As a society, we’ve relied on a linear system of procurement for far too long. The current system is built on a model of taking, making and wasting, procuring resources and producing products to sell to consumers. This chain only generates value at the manufacturing stages and leaves organisations dependent on continuous procurement, and in turn, continuous resource extraction.

The result?

High volumes of waste, vast rates of pollution and restricted revenue potential.

A circular model would change this for the better, restructuring the linear model into a series of closed resource and energy loops.

This looks something like this:

  • Renewing, reusing and recycling used products and by products
  • Generating continuous profit through extended product lifespans
  • Reducing and eliminating the need to mine finite natural resources

The Public Sector Has a Major Part to Play

One of the biggest takeaways from this circular procurement chapter is the immensity of the public sector’s purchasing power. While private businesses and individuals can harness a more circular approach to better the planet, it’s governments and public bodies that hold the most considerable potential for change.

The public sector is the largest employer and extracts, produces and procures on mass. By adopting circular procurement strategies to reduce waste and make the planet a priority, they have the power to make the biggest impact.

Take Action Now

At the climate summit of 2014, Leonardo DiCaprio posed this poignant reminder:

“Now think about the shame that each of us will carry when our children and grandchildren look back and realise we had the means of stopping this devastation and we didn’t.”

If you’re tired of procrastinating and want to fight climate change with purpose, join the Circular Economy community today. Visit our website to find out more about courses, certifications and more to start making an impact.

Submitted By: Joyce Halloun

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