Circular Economy is based on five principles (Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) for achieving the goals (economically and environmentally sustainable systems) with an emphasis on innovative thinking in all processes of production, systematic thinking, extending the lifespan of products, as well as the recycling process.
The first step of Rethinking automatically buying everything that is being offered without considering whether it is at all necessary, whether it is cost-effective, whether there is an alternative, leads to the following principle of Refuse.
Refuse
Refusing unnecessary products and packaging is one of the simplest, yet most powerful ways to reduce the amount of waste we produce. This means saying “no” to plastic bags, single-use cups, straws, promotional materials or other products that we don’t need and which negatively impact the environment.
For example, when we go to the store, we can bring our own cloth bag and refuse plastic bags. This approach not only reduces waste, but also reduces the demand for products that are difficult to recycle or that pollute the world.
Examples applicable in everyday life:
| 1.Refusing plastic bags | Using reusable bags for multiple purposes instead of accepting a plastic bag when shopping. |
| 2. Refusing single-use packaging | Buying food in bulk, bringing your own plates or coffee cups instead of using single-use products. |
| 3. Refusing unnecessary promo materials | Not accepting flyers, free plastic promotional items, products you don’t need. |
| 4. Refusing fast fashion | Instead of buying cheap pieces of clothes that are thrown away quickly, chose quality, sustainable fashion. |
| 5. Refusing products with a built-in obsolescence | Refusing technological devices that are intentionally designed to break or lack spare parts. |
Examples applicable in the business community:
| 1.Refusing non-environmental suppliers | The company decides not to cooperate with suppliers who use harmful materials or inappropriate environmental practices. |
| 2. Refusing packaging with a lot of waste | The business sector decides not to sell products that come with excessive plastic or unnecessary packaging. |
| 3. Refusing products that cannot be repaired or recycled | Materials or equipment that have a short lifespan and are not subject to maintenance or reuse are refused. |
| 4. Refusing unsold inventory that goes to waste | Instead of destroying unsold products (as fashion brands often do), they are donated or reused. |
| 5. Refusing travel that can be replaced by video conferences | Reducing emissions by avoiding unnecessary business trips. |
Learning to refuse waste may require certain practice and time to develop the habit, but the decision to apply it in the everyday life and to include it in business strategies is the most effective way to minimize waste. Especially in the business sector, making smarter purchasing decisions and setting standards and expectations early in the process makes it easier for organizations to “refuse” waste from the start.
Translated by: N. Cvetkovska
The content is part of the CIVIL / GREEN Civil project “Give Me Five!”, within the framework of the great regional initiative to mark the Western Balkans Circular Economy Week (May 26- June 1, 2025) under the motto “From Local Fixes to Regional Impact”, implemented by the regional network LogEx, of which CIVIL is a member, upon the initiative of the reputable think tank organization Balkan Forum from Kosovo, and with the support of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund from the United States.
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