Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

The circular economy (CE) is an economic model that promotes resource efficiency, waste minimization, and sustainability by shifting from a linear ‘take-make-dispose’ system to a regenerative approach. India’s transition to a circular economy could generate $2 trillion in market value. By integrating circularity, India can simultaneously address its economic growth needs and environmental challenges.

Body

How Circular Economy Supports Economic Growth:

• Job Creation and Market Expansion:
  
  • CE industries such as waste management, recycling, bio-economy, and green manufacturing can create millions of jobs.
  • Example: E-waste recycling in India is projected to generate 500,000 jobs by 2030 (FICCI report).
• Resource Efficiency and Cost Reduction:
  
  • Reuse and remanufacturing reduce dependency on raw materials, cutting production costs and enhancing competitiveness.
  • Example: Tata Steel’s circular steel recycling initiative reduces raw material consumption and lowers costs.
• Boost to MSMEs and Startups:
  
  • Encourages entrepreneurship in waste-to-wealth sectors, including bio-based products and sustainable textiles.
  • Example: The Waste to Wealth Mission under Swachh Bharat promotes innovative circular economy models.

How Circular Economy Mitigates Environmental Degradation:

• Reduction in Waste Generation and Landfill Dependence:
  
  • CE minimizes waste by extending product life cycles through recycling and reusability.
  • Example: The SBM Waste to Wealth PMS Portal tracks municipal solid waste and promotes sustainable disposal.
• Control Over Pollution and Carbon Emissions:
  
  • CE reduces emissions from industrial production, transportation, and landfill methane release.
  • Example: Circularity in India’s construction sector (using recycled materials) could cut 40% of CO₂ emissions.
• Sustainable Plastic and E-Waste Management:
  
  • India’s Plastic Waste Management Rules (2022) ban single-use plastics and promote Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
  • Example: E-waste Management Rules (2022) mandate electronics manufacturers to recycle 70% of e-waste by 2027.
    • Also, MoU between CSIR and MoHUA focuses on scientific waste management solutions for urban sustainability.
• Agricultural Sustainability through Circular Practices:
  
  • Biochar from crop waste and organic composting reduce stubble burning and enhance soil fertility.
  • Example: Indore’s Bio-CNG plant converts organic waste into clean energy, reducing landfill burden.

Conclusion

India’s shift to a circular economy can drive economic growth while mitigating environmental degradation. By implementing policy reforms, industry collaboration, and technological innovation, India can maximize resource efficiency, reduce waste, and promote sustainable development in alignment with Mission LiFE and SDGs.