Building a Sustainable Society: A Comprehensive Exploration from Circular Economy to Eco-Friendly Practices
Abstract
In the wake of escalating environmental degradation, it is imperative to transition towards a sustainable society that harmonizes with nature rather than exploits it. This article delves into the multifaceted aspects of building a sustainable society, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in societal values and policies.
Furthermore, the article underscores the pivotal role of education, particularly in engineering disciplines, in fostering the skills essential for sustainability. It highlights the necessity of integrating sustainability courses into curricula to cultivate a mindset that prioritizes environmental responsibility.
The enforcement of pollution abatement measures, both at the national and global levels, emerges as a critical step towards mitigating the impact of industrialization. The article cites instances from China and India, showcasing the role of legal systems and proactive initiatives in curbing environmental harm. Additionally, the delicate balance between energy needs and environmental conservation is explored, advocating for a reduction in energy consumption and the development of eco-friendly technologies.
Addressing industrial waste disposal and promoting sustainable consumption are identified as key pillars in the construction of a sustainable society. The article emphasizes the urgency of stringent actions against industries neglecting proper waste disposal systems, as well as the need for a collective effort to regulate consumption patterns and reduce resource exploitation.
Moreover, the shift towards eco-friendly products and transparent value chains is discussed as an evolving trend driven by consumer demand and corporate responsibility. The article predicts the potential upheaval in traditional industries, exemplified by the transformation in Sivakasi, India, known for its firework manufacturing, and highlights the necessity for businesses to adopt transparent and environmentally conscious practices.
References
1. Andersen, M. S. (2007). An introductory note on the environmental economics of the circular economy Science, 2(1), 133-140.
2. Brundiers, K., & Wiek, A. (2011). Educating students in real-world sustainability research: vision and implementation. Innovative Higher Education, 36(2), 107-124.
3. Fizri, F. F. A., Rahim, A. A., Sibly, S., Koshy, K. C., & Nor, N. M. (2014). Strengthening the Capacity of Flood-Affected Rural Communities in Padang Terap, State of Kedah, Malaysia. In Sustainable Living with Environmental Risks (pp. 137-145). Springer, Tokyo.
4. Jain, Nirupa and Jain T.K. (2018). Developing Institutions through Volunteering for Diversity: Creating a better Society, Kindle Edition
5. Kaneko, N., Yoshiura, S., & Kobayashi, M. (Eds.). (2014). Sustainable living with environmental risks. Springer.
6. Koshy, K. C., Nor, N. M., Sibly, S., Rahim, A. A., Jegatesen, G., & Muhamad, M. (2013). An indicatorbased approach to sustainability monitoring and mainstreaming at Universiti Sains Malaysia. In Sustainability assessment tools in higher education institutions (pp. 237-258). Springer, Cham.
7. Loorbach, D., & Rotmans, J. (2006). Managing transitions for sustainable development. In Understanding industrial transformation (pp. 187-206). Springer, Dordrecht.
8. Murray, A., Skene, K., & Haynes, K. (2017). The circular economy: An interdisciplinary exploration of t application in a global context. Journal of Business Ethics, 140(3), 369-380.
9. Nidumolu, R., Prahalad, C. K., & Rangaswami, M. R. (2009). Why sustainability is now the key driver of innovation. Harvard business review, 87(9), 56-64.
10. Pekrun, R., & Linnenbrink-Garcia, L. (2012). Academic emotions and student engagement. In Handbook of research on student engagement (pp. 259-282). Springer, Boston, MA.
11. Ralph, M., & Stubbs, W. (2014). Integrating environmental sustainability into universities. Higher Education, 67(1), 71-90.
12. Reid, A., Jensen, B. B., Nikel, J., & Simovska, V. (2008). Participation and learning: Developing perspectives on education and the environment, health and sustainability. In Participation and learning (pp. 1-18). Springer, Dordrecht.
13. Robinson, J. B., Francis, G., Lerner, S., Legge, R., & Robinson,. (1996). Defining a sustainable society. Life in 2030: Exploring a Sustainable Future for Canada, 26-52.
14. Shabudin, A. F. A., Rahim, R. A., Sibly, S., & Nor, N. M. (2017). From ad hoc towards the institutionalisation: An assessment of Malaysia’s policy evolution on Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. Marine Policy, 78, 1-10.
15. Tilbury, D. (2004). Environmental education for sustainability: A force for change in higher education. In Higher education and the challenge of sustainability (pp. 97-112). Springer, Dordrecht.
16. Vehmaa A, Karvinen M, Keskinen M. (2018). Building a More Sustainable Society? A Case Study on the Role of Sustainable Development in the Education and Early Career of Water and Environmental Engineers. Sustainability; 10(8):2605.
17. Wiek, A., Bernstein, M., Foley, R., Cohen, M., Forrest, N., Kuzdas, C., ... & Withycombe Keeler, L. (2015). Operationalising competencies in higher education for sustainable development. Handbook of higher education for sustainable development. Routledge, 241-260.
18. Zhijun, F., & Nailing, Y. (2007). Putting a circular economy into practice in China. Sustainability Science, 2(1), 95-101.
