A Model of Eco-Efficiency and Recycling

Mario Cogoy

No 2009-9, Economics Discussion Papers from Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW Kiel)

Abstract: This paper presents the model of an economy subject to the mass conservation principle. The economic system is related to the environment by a flow of virgin materials into the economy, and by the diffusion of waste into the environment. Ecoefficiency contributes to reducing material waste in all processes. Recycling can reduce the diffusion of waste by feeding it back into the economy. Human capital enhances productivity, eco-efficiency and the quality of all kinds of outputs. Recycling and human capital formation use productive factors and are rooted therefore, as all other activities, in the material basis of the economy. The paper studies an optimal material state of society.

Keywords: Eco-Efficiency; Recycling; Materials Balances; Material Flows; Human Capital (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D90 O30 O41 Q00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-env
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/27490/1/dp2009-9.pdf (application/pdf)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:zbw:ifwedp:7488

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