CIRCULAR HORIZONS: NAVIGATING THE PATH TO SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjoest.v6i2.212Keywords:
circular economy, sustainable development, resource efficiency, waste reduction, economic paradigm shiftAbstract
The circular economy (CE) is emerging as a transformative framework for sustainable development, challenging the conventional linear model of "take-make-waste." This study critically examines the evolution and practical implementation of CE, focusing on three core areas: Circular Design, Industrial Symbiosis, and Grassroots Empowerment. By leveraging case studies from diverse regions, including Latin America, Europe, and Asia, the research highlights how innovative practices and strategic business models are reshaping industries towards sustainability. CE principles such as designing for longevity, maximizing resource efficiency, and fostering community-driven initiatives demonstrate their potential to minimize environmental impacts while enhancing economic resilience. This investigation also addresses critical challenges, including technological limitations, policy fragmentation, and socio-economic disparities, which hinder widespread adoption. The research underscores the importance of cross-sector collaboration and policy alignment to effectively embed CE practices into mainstream economic activities. By integrating sustainable design, collaborative industrial ecosystems, and community empowerment, CE offers a viable pathway toward a resilient and sustainable future. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse by providing actionable insights and strategic recommendations for stakeholders seeking to transition from traditional economic models to more circular and regenerative systems.
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