Circular Economy Resources - Operationalization of restraints and optimization of choices

Purpose of the study: The article presents a preliminary analysis of the available and collected statistical data as part of the Research Project: SUPB. RN.23.108, ID: 108, which is intended to serve as a starting point for further research on circular economy. The aim of the analysis will be to diagnose the “hotspots” so that a proper analysis in the next year of research will allow the author to find targeted solutions and formulate recommendations. Methodology: This article reviews the available literature. Items compatible with the author's research topics have been selected, supplemented with other sources, the most important of which are listed in the bibliography. Therefore, a preliminary analysis of existing data (secondary studies) was used as a method. Main Findings: A preliminary analysis of the indicators allowed us to draw general conclusions. First, it is necessary to further tighten the legal provisions in the field of environmental protection, while at the same time defining the precise timeframe for each of the stages. Secondly, it is necessary to develop the sources of financing for the activities undertaken. Thirdly, there is no chance for change without an increase in consumer environmental awareness. Fourth, you can't make changes and make the right choices in the short term.  Applications of the study: The content of the article may be useful to a wide audience interested in the subject matter being studied. It is also extremely important for the author of the article, as it is a starting point for further scientific research. In addition, the subject matter and information provided will be used at the Jan Kochanowski University during practical meetings/classes with students. Novelty/Originality of the study: In the article, the author emphasized several important elements of an extremely difficult puzzle, which is a well-functioning circular economy system. It focused on several key areas: better use of scarce resources, minimization of waste, reduction of overexploitation of the natural environment. Without such actions, she believes, civilization will move towards self-destruction at an alarmingly fast pace. Faced with a choice: costly exploitation of new resources or recovery and recycling, as a way to reduce the devastation of the natural environment and minimize the costs associated with obtaining new sources and areas for exploitation, the author presented the scale of the problem and legal constraints (imposing the need to make a specific choice), in force in selected EU countries.