Sustainability Advocates Look Toward a ‘Circular Economy’ to Address Climate Change

Sustainability Advocates Look Toward a ‘Circular Economy’ to Address Climate Change

North Carolina’s reliance on single-use plastics poses significant environmental challenges. Items like plastic shopping bags, utensils, and packaging contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. A recent study highlights the impact of fossil fuels used in plastic production, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable alternatives.

The Problem with Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics are pervasive in modern society but come at a high cost to the environment. These items contribute to pollution and climate change, with fossil fuel extraction and plastic production releasing significant greenhouse gases. Additionally, a 2019 study by the World Wildlife Fund found that humans ingest approximately 5 grams of microplastics weekly, raising concerns about potential health impacts.

Advocating for a Circular Economy

Sustainability advocates argue for a transition to a circular economy, which focuses on reusing and recycling materials to reduce waste. Organizations like Don’t Waste Durham and Upstream are leading efforts to implement reusable systems and reduce reliance on single-use plastics. Sydney Harris, policy director for Upstream, emphasizes the need to shift from single-use to reuse systems to address the plastic crisis and its environmental impact.

Local Initiatives and Challenges

Crystal Dreisbach, former executive director of Don’t Waste Durham and current CEO of Upstream, has pioneered initiatives such as GreenToGo, a reusable container system for food takeout in Durham. Customers can use and return these containers, which are then collected, washed, and redistributed to participating food vendors. Expanding this system to include more vendors and larger venues like public schools and sports stadiums remains a challenge due to funding and logistical constraints.

University Efforts Towards Sustainability

Universities in North Carolina are also adopting sustainable practices. Appalachian State University’s Zero Waste initiative has successfully diverted thousands of pounds of waste from local landfills through composting and recycling efforts during football games. Jennifer Maxwell, the university’s sustainability program director, highlights the importance of reusables over disposables and the ongoing efforts to reduce single-use plastics on campus.

Similarly, UNC Chapel Hill’s Cleantech Summit showcased sustainable practices by using washable dining ware and reusable placards, thanks to the full kitchen and dishwasher facilities at the venue. Melanie Elliott, sustainability analyst for Sustainable Carolina, advocates for incorporating sustainability into event planning, even when facilities are not fully equipped.

Moving Forward

Transitioning to a circular economy requires collective efforts at both individual and systemic levels. Reducing single-use plastics, promoting reusable alternatives, and investing in sustainable infrastructure are crucial steps towards mitigating climate change. As advocates and institutions continue to push for these changes, the vision of a sustainable and resilient future becomes increasingly attainable.

 North Carolina faces significant challenges due to its reliance on single-use plastics, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. Sustainability advocates argue for a transition to a circular economy, where materials and products are reused and recycled, reducing environmental impact. Organizations like Don’t Waste Durham and Upstream are pioneering initiatives to replace single-use items with reusable alternatives, promoting a system that minimizes waste and supports environmental health. Universities in North Carolina are also adopting sustainable practices, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of a circular economy.

FAQs

1. What is a circular economy?

   • A circular economy aims to keep materials, products, and services in circulation for as long as possible, reducing waste and environmental impact.

2. Why are single-use plastics a problem?

   • Single-use plastics contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and the ingestion of microplastics by humans and wildlife.

3. What initiatives are being undertaken in North Carolina to promote a circular economy?

   • Initiatives include reusable container systems like GreenToGo in Durham and university programs promoting compostables and reusables at events and dining facilities.

4. How are universities in North Carolina contributing to sustainability?

   • Universities like Appalachian State and UNC Chapel Hill are implementing zero-waste initiatives, using reusable dining ware, and diverting waste from landfills through composting and recycling.

5. What are the benefits of a circular economy?

   • A circular economy reduces waste, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, conserves resources, and promotes sustainability, contributing to the fight against climate change.

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