Today, the average Spaniard generates about 460 kilograms of municipal waste each year, roughly six times that person’s body weight. These striking figures stem from a linear economic model that starts with extraction, moves through production and consumption, and ends with disposal. Such a system carries a heavy environmental price tag, affecting both the production phase and the product’s end of life.
1 Spaniard = 460 kg waste/year
Consequently, there is an urgent need for a shift toward a more sustainable framework that uses resources wisely and gives waste a new purpose: the circular economy.
Containers return to the production cycle as raw materials through recycling.
Extend the shelf life of products
The circular economy is defined as a social and economic system whose aim is not only to produce goods and services but also to reduce the consumption of raw materials, water, and energy throughout a product’s life cycle. Every production process carries an environmental cost. The circular approach seeks to minimize material waste and extend the useful life of items, moving away from the disposable linear model toward a practice that emphasizes prevention, reduction, reuse, repair, and recycling. In essence, the circular economy helps products last longer and acquire a second life.
You can help us achieve a world
Organizations are communicating the importance of circular economy and recycling to the public. Campaigns highlight that waste is not merely trash but a resource that can be reimagined and given new life. By recycling, people participate in a world that keeps turning toward greater circularity and sustainability.
From Ecoembes they want to convey to the public the importance of the circular economy and recycling.
3R to 7R
The traditional linear model pushes continuous extraction of new materials for each product. This approach causes significant environmental impact. The familiar three Rs — reduce, reuse, and recycle — aim to curb harm while conserving resources and energy. But why stop there when design can help too? Why not prioritize repairs over buying new?
The circular economy adds eco-design and repair to the mix, expanding the classic 3R to 7R. Do you know them?
- Redesign: Products are conceived with the environment in mind, ensuring sustainability is built into their functionality from the start.
- Reduce: Consumption is kept in check to lower waste and minimize the demand for new resources.
- Reuse: Items are given longer life through reuse, crafts, or DIY projects. The internet is full of practical ideas for reusing almost anything.
- Repair: When something breaks, repairing it is usually cheaper and better for the environment than replacing it. It saves raw materials, energy, and reduces waste.
- Refresh: Old items are updated so they can return to their original purpose.
- Recover: Materials already used are collected and reintroduced into production processes.
- Recycle: Residues are converted into new raw materials for fresh products. After trying the other options, recycling remains essential because the best waste is the waste that is not produced.
Recycling turns waste into new raw material, closing the loop in the production cycle.
Each package in its own container
Recycling turns waste into new raw material, so each container plays a role in the process:
- It does not matter how small or dirty a container is
- Always place items in the correct recycling stream
- Avoid using generic bins for waste that has its own designated container
Do you have doubts about recycling?
All you need to recycle properly is available at this link.