kokonaiskierto

Kokonaiskierto, a Finnish term roughly translating to "total circulation" or "overall cycle," can refer to several interconnected concepts within environmental and resource management. Primarily, it addresses the continuous flow and transformation of materials within natural and human-made systems.

In ecology, kokonaiskierto emphasizes the cyclical nature of nutrient and energy transfer through ecosystems. This includes processes like the carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, and water cycle, where elements are continuously exchanged between the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Understanding these cycles is crucial for assessing the health and sustainability of natural environments.

Within the context of a circular economy, kokonaiskierto extends this idea to the management of resources and products by humans. It advocates for designing systems where materials are kept in use for as long as possible, minimizing waste and maximizing their value. This involves strategies such as reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling, aiming to create closed-loop systems that mimic natural cycles. The goal is to reduce reliance on virgin resources and mitigate the environmental impact of production and consumption.

The concept of kokonaiskierto encourages a holistic perspective, recognizing that different cycles and systems are interdependent. By analyzing and optimizing these flows, it aims to achieve greater environmental sustainability and resource efficiency in both natural and societal contexts.