Imagine having a jar full of delicious cookies (or your favorite snack) at home, and that's all you get for the entire year. Naturally, it wouldn’t be wise to finish them all by mid-July. Once they're gone, they're gone. Or would you start dipping into next year’s stash?
Earth Overshoot Day
Each year, Earth produces resources that could ideally sustain us for 12 months. But did you know that by August 1st, we've already exhausted what the planet can regenerate in a year? This day is known as Earth Overshoot Day, the point when humanity's demand on nature exceeds what Earth can renew in that year. Even more alarming, Belgium reached this limit on March 23rd, and the Netherlands on April 1st. And come September 5th, we’ll hit Plastic Overshoot Day. This data is meticulously calculated by the Global Footprint Network.
From Linear to Circular Yet, we continue to consume at an unsustainable rate. This is why transitioning from a linear to a circular economy is crucial. At Plastic Recycling Van Werven, we are committed to this goal. The plastic recycling industry is diligently working to separate various types of plastics and repurpose them into new products. It's a formidable challenge, especially as we await supportive legislation. So, do we wait and "eat the cookies," or do we proactively seek alternative solutions? Earth Overshoot Day screams for urgent action.
Should we wait for legal mandates, or should we start choosing products that incorporate circular materials? By doing so, we can close the loop and create a truly circular economy.
Together We Can It's my personal mission to make plastic recycling more circular and, in turn, improve our world. While I pursue this at Plastic Recycling Van Werven, I can't do it alone. We must work together! Let's collaborate to create a more circular world for plastics. And if you find the cookie analogy a bit childish, that's okay. Go ahead and enjoy a cookie today. But remember Earth Overshoot Day with every bite.