Transcript of the podcast: Why do we need a circular economy?

A circular economy supports the transformation towards a sustainable society that protects the climate and biodiversity. In a circular economy embracing all sectors, products and raw materials are utilised for as long as possible and subsequently recycled – which will change our whole way of doing business and consuming. Clara Löw explains how this can be done, citing some promising approaches and studies that are already available on the subject, in the new episode of the Oeko-Institut’s “Wenden bitte” podcast.

The focus of the circular economy should be on avoiding waste and keeping products in use for as long as possible. Cycles can be slowed down and even closed as a result. “These changes affect all modes of production, patterns of consumption and ways of life,” explains the staff researcher from the Sustainable Products & Material Flows Division. “Using fewer raw materials diminishes environmental impacts and reduces dependency on other countries and energy consumption. All that helps with tackling current societal challenges and mitigating climate change.”

Read the full podcast transcript of episode 19 “Why do we need a circular economy”