3.1

3.5

ALT 2.3

The inner circle represents the minimum standards we must reach for good quality life, and the outer circle represents the environmental limits we must not exceed to cause environmental damage.

3.7

3.9

The bioeconomy is all about using natural, renewable resources — like plants, animals, and waste — to make useful things like food, energy, materials, and even fuel.

It helps the environment by:

• Using less fossil fuel (like oil and gas)

• Reducing waste

• Recycling natural materials

Examples of the Bioeconomy:

• Bioplastics: Making plastic from plants or farm waste instead of oil.

• Biorefineries: Turning things like wood or crop leftovers into fuel or useful chemicals.

• Sustainable Farming: Using smart technology to grow food with less water and less harm to nature.

• Food Waste Energy: Changing leftover food into energy or compost instead of throwing it away.

  
  

Why It Matters:

The bioeconomy is about protecting the planet, using resources wisely, and creating a greener future for everyone.

3.1 (main one)

3.5

ALT 2.3

Instead of throwing stuff away, we try to reuse, fix, recycle, or repurpose it.

It’s different from the old way of doing things, called the linear economy, which is like:
👉 Take ->Make ->Use ->Throw away.

The circular economy is more like:
♻️ Make ->Use -> Reuse ->Recycle -> Use again!

Key Ideas of Circular Economy:

• Products are made to last — easy to fix or recycle.

• Materials are reused — instead of becoming trash, they are turned into something new.

• Food and garden waste can become compost or even energy, instead of going to landfill.

Real-Life Examples:

• Fixing and using refurbished electronics

• Recycling old clothes instead of throwing them out (Depop and Vinted for buying/selling 2nd hand clothes)

• Turning plastic waste into new products

• Changing food waste into energy

Why It Matters:

This helps the planet by:

• Using fewer natural resources

• Creating less pollution

• Helping us live more sustainably

Places in Ireland that are examples of Circular Economy in Action: Ballymun Rediscovery Centre (National Centre for the Circular Economy)