The Great Transformation. The Formulation of New Models

The authors start from Einstein’s thought according to which present problems cannot be solved with the same mind that generated them. In other words, a new approach is needed. It is shown that the need of change was highlighted also at the World Economic Forum of Davos (January 2014). The change of mentality determines, in the opinion of the authors, a chain reaction: change – expectations – attitudes – behavior – performances. Evolution always supposes a change. Leads of economy, politicians, entrepreneurs supported the need of adopting new development models, on the b

VALORIZATION OF BIOMASS AND BIOGAS RESOURCES IN SATU MARE COUNTY

The use of renewable energy sources, which provides sufficient energy supply and does not have a negative impact on the environment, has become a desideratum of sustainable development in all European Community countries. One of the objectives of the European Union for 2020 is to increase the share of renewable energy sources by 20% in total energy consumption. Thus, biomass and biogas resources play an important role in implementing strategies to achieve energy independence through the use of renewable energy sources. The energy obtained from cogeneration of biomass and biogas resources is used both as a source of electricity and thermal energy, it can be generated throughout the year and it is considered optimal to cover the demand for energy at peak times. Romania has considerable reserves of biomass and biogas, the interest shown for this sector being demonstrated by the upward trend of investments. Nevertheless, the potential of biomass and biogas resources is insufficiently capitalized. This article aims to present how the valorisation of biomass and biogas resources contributes to the sustainable development of Satu Mare County. The methods used are the analysis of specific documents and legislation, the comparison and interpretation of statistical data

Consumerism and exclusion in a throw-away culture

Various sources draw our attention to contemporary problems such as irrational use of resources, pollution, and, even more alarming, the application of the market logic to human relations. Given this unfolding, we ask ourselves if the prevailing economic model has a human purpose. We show that consumerism, as an important feature of nowadays lifestyle, generates corruption, squandering, and addictions, which in turn lead people to an existential void, as psychiatrist Viktor Frankl put it. This being the status, we argue for a leap of conscience – a thorough consideration of how we act now and how we should behave if we want to maintain the various balances that make possible life on Earth

FROM CIRCULAR ECONOMY TO BLUE ECONOMY

Addressing the subject of this essay is based on the background ideas generated by a new branch of science - Biomimicry. According to European Commissioner for the Environment, "Nature is the perfect model of circular economy". Therefore, by imitating nature, we are witnessing a process of cycle redesign: production-consumption-recycling. The authors present some reflections on the European Commission's decision to adopt after July 1, 2014 new measures concerning the development of more circular economies. Starting from the principles of Ecolonomy, which is based on the whole living paradigm, this paper argues for the development within each economy of entrepreneurial policies related to the Blue economy. In its turn, Blue economy is based on scientific analyses that identify the best solutions in a business. Thus, formation of social capital will lead to healthier and cheaper products, which will stimulate entrepreneurship. Blue economy is another way of thinking economic practice and is a new model of business design. It is a healthy, sustainable business, designed for people. In fact, it is the core of the whole living paradigm through which, towards 2020, circular economy will grow more and more

THE DIALECTIC OF LEARNING AND UNLEARNING TOWARDS A HEALTHY ECONOMY

The present model of economic life drifts away from the requirements of the health of the whole living, of the natural environment and of the environment created by humans. Economy, as a living body, created by man in conditions of limitation and uncertainty, must be in permanent harmony with the ecologycal equilibria and the humans aspirtations towards a decent life. It is essential to learn unlearning ourselves of the theories, concepts, criteria and indicators that put in danger (through their evolution) the health of humans, families, communities, societies and natural environment. The actual global crisis is the beginning of the unlearning process. The authors appreciate that ecolonomy can be the beginning of the unlearning process towards a new way of thinking and living on Planet Earth. A healthy economy is based on the harmony between social flexibility and ecological flexibility as a lasting foundation for human life in decency, dignity and responsibility