Circular Economy and Behavioral Decision-Making: An Assessment of Waste Reduction and Recycling

Öz

The circular economy is a holistic approach that aims to ensure the sustainable management of resources, reduce waste generation, and extend product life cycles. In adapting to this system, both individuals and institutions are influenced not only by economic and technical factors but also by behavioral elements that play a decisive role. This study examines, within a theoretical framework, the key behavioral biases that affect waste reduction and recycling decisions. Based on a literature review, it analyzes how cognitive limitations such as the status quo bias, endowment effect, loss aversion, and present bias may hinder environmentally friendly behaviors at both individual and organizational levels. Furthermore, circular economy policies implemented in Turkey and the European Union are evaluated comparatively, with a focus on their behavioral dimensions. The findings emphasize that in the transition toward a circular economy, behavioral public policies addressing individual decision-making processes are as vital as infrastructure and regulatory measures. As policy recommendations, the study proposes the use of nudging techniques, social norm–based campaigns, and the restructuring of default options in environmentally friendly ways. In this context, it opens a new ground for discussion by highlighting the psychological and behavioral dimensions of the transition to a circular economy.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Behavioral biases
• Circular economy
• Environmental decisions
• Nudging
• Sustainability

Döngüsel Ekonomi ve Davranışsal Karar Alma: Atık Azaltımı ve Geri Dönüşüm Üzerine Bir Değerlendirme

Öz

Döngüsel ekonomi, kaynakların sürdürülebilir yönetimi, atık oluşumunun azaltılması ve ürünlerin yaşam döngüsünün uzatılmasını hedefleyen bütüncül bir yaklaşımdır. Bireylerin ve kurumların bu sisteme uyum sağlamasında yalnızca ekonomik ve teknik faktörler değil ama davranışsal unsurlar da belirleyici rol oynamaktadır. Bu çalışma, atık azaltımı ve geri dönüşüm kararlarını etkileyen temel davranışsal önyargıları teorik çerçevede incelemektedir. Literatür taramasına dayalı olarak oluşturulan çalışmada, statüko önyargısı, sahiplik etkisi (endowment effect), kayıptan kaçınma (loss aversion) ve şimdiki zamana aşırı değer verme (present bias) gibi bilişsel sınırlamaların bireysel ve kurumsal çevre dostu davranışları nasıl engelleyebileceği analiz edilmektedir. Ayrıca, Türkiye ve Avrupa Birliği’nde uygulanan döngüsel ekonomi politikaları karşılaştırmalı olarak değerlendirilmiş ve bu politikaların davranışsal yönleri ele alınmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda, döngüsel ekonomiye geçişte yalnızca altyapı ve düzenlemelerin değil, bireylerin karar verme süreçlerine hitap eden davranışsal kamu politikalarının da hayati olduğu vurgulanmaktadır. Politika önerileri kapsamında “nudging” teknikleri, sosyal normlara dayalı kampanyalar ve varsayılan seçeneklerin çevre dostu biçimde yeniden yapılandırılması önerilmektedir. Bu bağlamda, döngüsel ekonomiye geçişin psikolojik ve davranışsal boyutları tartışmaya açılarak yeni bir değerlendirme zemini sunulmaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Çevresel kararlar
• Davranışsal önyargılar
• Döngüsel ekonomi
• Nudging
• Sürdürülebilirlik

Kaynakça

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