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Transition towards Circular Economy in the Food System

Author

Listed:
  • Alexandra Jurgilevich

    (Department of Environmental Sciences/Helsinki University Centre for Environment, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 2A, P.O. Box 65, Helsinki 00014, Finland)

  • Traci Birge

    (Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 27, Latokartanonkaari 5, Helsinki 00014, Finland
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Johanna Kentala-Lehtonen

    (Forum for Environmental Information/Helsinki University Centre for Environment, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 2A, 2029, P.O. Box 65, Helsinki 00014, Finland
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Kaisa Korhonen-Kurki

    (Department of Environmental Sciences/Helsinki University Centre for Environment, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 2A, P.O. Box 65, Helsinki 00014, Finland
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Janna Pietikäinen

    (Department of Environmental Sciences/Helsinki University Centre for Environment, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 2A, P.O. Box 65, Helsinki 00014, Finland
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Laura Saikku

    (Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), Mechelininkatu 34a, P.O. Box 140, Helsinki 00260, Finland
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Hanna Schösler

    (Research Division of Food and Health Sciences, University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, Bayreuth 95440, Germany
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

Growing population and increased demand for food, inefficient resource use and food distribution, environmental impacts, and high rates of food wasted at all stages of the food system are all calling for transition towards more sustainable practices. In this article we apply the concept of circular economy to the case of a sustainable food system. Furthermore, we explore the transition towards a circular food system through the lens of socio-technical transition theory towards sustainability. We discuss challenges and potential solutions for the production stage (focusing on nutrient flow), the consumption stage (focusing on meat consumption), and food waste and surplus management and prevention.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandra Jurgilevich & Traci Birge & Johanna Kentala-Lehtonen & Kaisa Korhonen-Kurki & Janna Pietikäinen & Laura Saikku & Hanna Schösler, 2016. "Transition towards Circular Economy in the Food System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(1), pages 1-14, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:8:y:2016:i:1:p:69-:d:62081
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    3. Elizabeth Shove, 2014. "Putting practice into policy: reconfiguring questions of consumption and climate change," Contemporary Social Science, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(4), pages 415-429, December.
    4. Frank W. Geels, 2005. "Technological Transitions and System Innovations," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 3576.
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    6. Walter R. Stahel, 2010. "The Performance Economy," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, edition 2, number 978-0-230-27490-7, September.
    7. Genus, Audley & Coles, Anne-Marie, 2008. "Rethinking the multi-level perspective of technological transitions," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(9), pages 1436-1445, October.
    8. Walter R. Stahel, 2010. "The Performance Economy," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, edition 0, number 978-0-230-28884-3, September.
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    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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