Towards a Circular Economy: Achieving Zero Waste Through Integrated Farming System (IFS)
摘要
The future of the world hinges on economic principles that acknowledge the necessity for individuals to integrate themselves within a cyclical ecological system capable of perpetually regenerating waste materials. To establish such a regenerative system, it is crucial to prioritize the valorization of waste or the conversion of waste into valuable resources. This approach focuses on minimizing resource input, reducing liberated waste and energy leakage, and shifting away from linear material flows towards recycling processes while avoiding its disposal. Agricultural activities contribute significantly to biomass waste, including animal manure, green residues, and non-marketable products. Research on integrated crop and livestock systems has demonstrated their high productivity and environmental sustainability. Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) have transformed the conventional farming practices across livestock, aquaculture, horticulture, and agro-industry. IFS aligns with the principles of Circular Economy (CE), striving for sustainable development, environmental quality, economic prosperity, and social equity to secure a better future for current and future generations. Adopting IFS presents an opportunity to unlock the potential of each product through recycling, yielding dual benefits. This system facilitates the reuse of waste or by-products from one component as inputs for other compatible components, optimizing farm space utilization for increased production. Moreover, the continuous flow of money within the system alleviates financial burdens on farmers. Importantly, IFS directly contributes to reducing natural resource consumption by repurposing materials that would otherwise become waste. Additionally, IFS prolongs the useful life of materials/products, enhancing their potential for valorization.