Which of the following is a principle of the circular economy?

• A. Carry out mass production with less concern for natural resources
• B. Increase extraction of raw materials
• C. Preserve and enhance natural capital
• D. Isolate supply chains

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that a circular economy aims to keep resources in use and protect natural systems. A key principle is preserving and enhancing natural capital—the natural resources and ecosystems that provide clean air, water, soil, materials, and climate regulation. By designing products for durability, repairability, and recyclability and by creating systems for reuse and recovery, we reduce waste and dependence on new raw materials, helping to maintain or even improve the stock of natural capital over time. This principle matters because safeguarding natural capital ensures the long-term resilience of both the environment and the economy, letting materials cycle rather than flow to waste. The other ideas don’t fit with circular thinking: mass production with little regard for resources wastes materials, increasing raw material extraction drains ecosystems, and isolating supply chains breaks the loop of reuse and recovery that keeps products and materials circulating.