Towards a broader systems approach to resource management: local to global and short-term to long-term solutions

Abstract

The overall aim of this paper is to holistically address current challenges to WM with the help of a much broader systems view. In order to accomplish this aim, current WM issues are discussed in a global perspective to explore the gaps in current practices on a systemic level. Different examples are used to illustrate the various ‘deep root’ causes responsible for the current situations by highlighting various aspects related to WM, such as product design, consumer awareness and limited systemic view. The study leads to conclusions that the current efforts, rather isolated, in different systems for WM, waste reduction and resource management are indeed not sufficient in a long term sustainability perspective. The proposed broader systems approach considers production, consumption and WM systems aligned to provide long term sustainable solutions to waste issues.