Waste Re-imagined: an Application of the Circular Economy in Interior Design

Abstract

The current consumer society is based on the linear economy system, where raw materials are extracted, processed into products, used, and then discarded as waste. However, this approach has led to unsustainable resource consumption and a growing demand for new materials. The construction industry, a significant consumer of raw materials, contributes to a considerable amount of waste due to poor planning and design during construction and demolition. As a result, a substantial amount of construction and demolition waste is generated, contributing to environmental contamination and ecological concerns. To address this issue, there is a need to re-imagine waste and perceive it as a valuable resource opportunity. Waste should be seen as unwanted or undesired materials that can be transformed into a sustainable world through circularity. The concept of waste as a human invention is highlighted, and the importance of recycling and reusing materials is emphasized to build a more sustainable future. This shift in perspective towards waste can pave the way for a circular economy model, where resources are utilized efficiently, minimizing waste generation and maximizing their value. Keywords: Linear economy, resource consumption, construction industry, construction and demolition waste, circular economy, sustainability, waste re-imagined, recycling, circularity