| Abstract [eng] |
In today's world, over-consumerism is leading to problems such as waste, finite resources and climate change. For these reasons, there has been an increase in the discussion and understanding of the importance of the circular economy, which focuses on sustainability, sustainability and ecology. The circular economy is a cycle that minimises waste, moves towards recycling and reuse processes that reduce the amount of primary raw materials and increases the use of renewable energy sources. In order to reduce waste, initiatives and measures have been introduced in Lithuania and the European Union to promote the circular economy. In this Master's thesis, the literature section analyses the concept of the circular economy and the ways to promote it. It discusses aspects of the emergence of the circular economy, the differences between the linear economy and the circular economy. The involvement of the European Union in promoting the circular economy in the Community is analysed. The principles of the circular economy and the impact on consumers who are directly affected by this transition. The methodology of the study describes the principles on which the study will be based. Two main research methods have been chosen for the research part of the study, the first being a quantitative questionnaire survey of consumers. The second is the calculation of the circularity index (MCI) in Lithuania and other EU countries. The quantitative consumer survey showed the depth of consumers' knowledge about the circular economy, as well as their habits and behaviours. The main problems arising from consumers' habits and their willingness to contribute to the promotion of sustainability and the circular economy were identified, as well as the respondents' suggestions that they considered would help to promote sustainability and circularity. The calculation of the Municipal Circularity Index (MCI) helped to understand the extent of the circular economy in Lithuania, and to compare it with selected EU countries and the prevalence of circularity in those countries (France, Belgium, Germany). The study revealed that young people are not involved in the promotion of the circular economy and are mostly unaware of what it is. In general, consumers are not prepared to make the financial commitment necessary to make recycled products more popular, and solutions are needed at national level to ensure that such products are popular and accessible to consumers. The conclusions and proposals summarise the main initiatives to promote consumer behaviour and circularity. It summarises the results of the study and makes recommendations based on the findings. The author believes that the work may be relevant and provide useful insights and recommendations regarding the relevance and promotion of circularity. |
