WASTE REDUCTION: A REVIEW OF COMMON OPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES Conference Paper uri icon

abstract

  • Abstract Circular economy aims to address limited resources through the continuous circulation of materials and energy. Recirculating low quality materials for reuse is a sustainability goal that is analogous to the primary function of Natures detritus species, a keystone for the proper functioning of ecosystems. Prior applications of ecosystem structure to human network design uncovered that even the most economically successful networks of industries demonstrate a lack of analogous detritus actors in the form of reuse and recycling. The recycling industrys volatile nature, dependency on international factors, and financial difficulties prevent this strategy from becoming an efficient alternative. Creativity in design, inspired by ecosystems, is proposed here as a method to repurpose manufacturing byproducts that are otherwise seen as low quality waste materials. Realizing the reuse potential of these materials can create detrital-type feedback loops, an attribute that supports the characteristic resilience and efficiency of ecosystems. The work here analyzes existing methods of pursuing circular economy and investigates the potential benefits generated by purposefully adding connects that create detrital-feedback-loops at the consumer and producer levels.

name of conference

  • Volume 1: Additive Manufacturing; Manufacturing Equipment and Systems; Bio and Sustainable Manufacturing

published proceedings

  • PROCEEDINGS OF THE ASME 14TH INTERNATIONAL MANUFACTURING SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING CONFERENCE, 2019, VOL 1

author list (cited authors)

  • Williams, J., Warrington, S., & Layton, A.

citation count

  • 3

complete list of authors

  • Williams, Jewel||Warrington, Shelby||Layton, Astrid

publication date

  • January 2019