Sustainable Alternative Routes versus Linear Economy and Resources Degradation in Eastern Romania

Abstract

This paper reveals the linear economy contribution to resource degradation and environmental pollution in eastern Romania that could further feed environmental crimes and conflicts, such as in the Pungesti shale gas case. Preservation of material and water resources in the region is required through various circular mechanisms under a cross-sectoral approach including solid waste as a material resource for industry and agriculture; wastewater treatment and water reuse; composting and organic agriculture; and using renewables. Six non-conflictual sustainable alternative routes related to circular economy mechanisms, water preservation, and to the clean energy transition are proposed in this paper, which are further examined through key statistics and indicators, current best practices, and local development pathways in both urban and rural communities.

E-Waste and End-of-Life Vehicles Management and Circular Economy Initiatives in Romania

“…These campaigns should be carried out both in the schools and at the level of the residents' associations in blocks flats, but also in residential areas with the individual housing. Romania's transition to the circular economy involves the development of equitable and sustainable local communities in addition to the operations for resource recovery [47] both in urban and rural areas. Separate campaigns should also be carried out in rural areas, where-although the amounts of WEEE are lower-the lack of information on the correct collection of WEEE is much more serious and can have undesirable consequences.…”

“…Stronger involvement of authorities, both central and local, would be welcome, including through more regulations to encourage sustainable recycling flows [47,53]. Probably in this context, a constant environmental education, not only for young people but also by transmitting information to the people to help raise awareness of such approaches would also be valuable.…”

“…This program is a model of integrating circular and social economy principles in a country like Romania where poverty and marginalized communities are key societal issues to be addressed besides environmental concerns. Rural population access to digital infrastructure is still limited in some counties as well as for basic public utilities [47]. The social dimension must not be neglected in circular economy policies [108] and such activities must be further supported in other regions Although there are more and more initiatives and programs in Romania aimed at the correct recycling of e-waste and ELV, the country is also facing illegal actions, including illegal imports of old cars and malfunctioning e-waste which are then incorrectly managed and often they end up improperly landfilled in the environment (see the Figure 7).…”

Plastic Pollution, Waste Management Issues, and Circular Economy Opportunities in Rural Communities

“…This is likely to be a significant underestimate as it only accounts for particles >1 mm in size. In Eastern Romania, the application of treated sewage sludge or compost obtained from urban biowaste treatment plants on agricultural lands is not widespread, but the problem of microplastic presence in rural soils is not yet investigated despite the deficiencies of waste and wastewater management practices in smaller urban areas and rural regions [65].…”

A Difficult Pattern to Change in Romania, the Perspective of Socio-Economic Development

“…With the depopulation of rural areas, not only is cultural heritage lost [28,29], but food security is also under threat, especially as most food resources are obtained in rural areas [30][31][32]. Even the United Nations proposed that food security should be addressed at international, national, and local levels (Figure 1) [33].…”