It is the year 2022, and everyone is well aware that they are running out of resources in every manner possible. There is a worldwide energy and pollution issue, which will plunge everyone into an irreversible Armageddon when combined with exacerbated atmospheric climate change. It is now time to enter the ultimate salvation, the final frontier of sustainability, where people will learn to practise Circularity. This idea focuses on resource cycles, mainly on naturally occurring resources that don’t take too much of a toll on the planet for production and have high reuse and upcycle value.
The easiest and the simplest, perhaps the most practical example that presents itself is wool. This fibre is often swept aside because of its common stereotype of only being used during winter. Admittedly, it is not easy to manufacture it on a large scale like other manmade fibres such as polyester and nylon. However, it is still a better bet as far as the environment is concerned. This Green move is in mandate with the United Nations and their implementation of SDGs or Sustainable Development Goals.
How Does Circularity Work in the Case of Wool?
Given below is the way wool gets broken down and recycled.
- It begins with the woolly fur that is periodically sheared from a sheep and then woven into fabrics, thereby benefiting the sheep, farmers responsible for the rearing and herding of sheep, and people involved in its transportation from point A to point B.
- Since wool is a naturally produced fibre with little to no human intervention, it contains 50% carbon. The remainder comprises elements that are easily destroyed by the soil over time.
- It may also be recycled and repaired for a second time after its original usage. Due to its quality and thickness, it may also be used as a rag for many years.
You’ve now witnessed the whole cycle from raw material procurement through disposal/recycling, all while being ecological.
Some Examples
While this is only one simple example, there are many additional ways to incorporate Circularity into your lifestyle.
With the European Union’s and United Nations’ guidelines on implementing green textile practices as part of the Circular Economic Plan Action or CEAP, it is your responsibility to assist by doing your part to aid the environment. Fast fashion is also extremely harmful to the environment, resulting in massive amounts of water loss, pollution, and energy use that would not otherwise exist.
All of these are not only environmentally sustainable models but also highly researched and developed fields of markets. These include the blue economy, green economy, and doughnut economy, all of which preach working hand-in-hand with nature to achieve a sustainable and waste-free future that is not affected by people’s actions in worsening the situation. Make the purposeful decision to choose things that promote sustainability, which in most cases will be woollen clothing.