Systems thinking is the ability to understand how the parts of a system interact to produce the behaviour of the whole. In this learning path, we explore how and why systems and systems thinking are so integral to the circular economy concept. About the Circular Economy The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again. The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy: 1 - Eliminate waste and pollution 2 - Keep products and materials in use 3 - Regenerate natural systems Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity. About the Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.

This learning path explores what artificial intelligence is and how it can be used to accelerate the transition to a circular economy, focusing in particular on the opportunities for AI to: Inform and accelerate efforts to design out waste and pollution. Increase the effectiveness and optimise circular economy business models. Streamline the infrastructure needed to keep products and materials in use. About the Circular Economy The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again. The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy: 1 - Eliminate waste and pollution 2 - Keep products and materials in use 3 - Regenerate natural systems Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity. About the Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.

This learning path explores how applying the principles of the circular economy to urban development will create cities that are able to thrive in the long-term, bringing prosperity to their citizens within planetary boundaries. Buildings, mobility, products and services, and food systems are examined in detail as these are urban systems that play an important role in our lives, and where transformations can be made. Added to this, they can be managed at the local level and can have significant impact. Within each of these systems the opportunities offered by innovations in design, business models, and digital technology are highlighted. About the Circular Economy The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again. The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy: 1 - Eliminate waste and pollution 2 - Keep products and materials in use 3 - Regenerate natural systems Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity. About the Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.

Our relationship with plastic needs rethinking. Plastics are versatile materials, but the way we use them is incredibly wasteful. We take oil and gas from the earth to make plastic products that are often designed to be used only once, and then we throw them away. This is what we call a linear take-make-waste model. Year on year, millions of tonnes of plastic, worth billions of dollars, ends up in landfills, is burned, or leaked into the environment. A staggering 8 million tonnes leaks into the ocean every year - and that number is rising. If we don’t rethink its use, there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish (by weight) by 2050. No-one wants to be in this position. Is it possible to rethink the way we design, use, and reuse plastics to create a circular economy for plastic? About the Circular Economy The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again. The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy: 1 - Eliminate waste and pollution 2 - Keep products and materials in use 3 - Regenerate natural systems Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity. About the Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.

This learning path explores how the principles of the circular economy can be applied to the fashion industry, beginning by covering why the fashion industry of today is not fit for purpose. Following that, it examines the vision for a new textiles economy through three focus areas that are critical to realising this vision: New business models that increase clothing use Safe and renewable inputs Solutions so used clothes are turned into new clothes About the Circular Economy The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again. The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy: 1 - Eliminate waste and pollution 2 - Keep products and materials in use 3 - Regenerate natural systems Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity. About the Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.

This learning path begins by examining the true cost of the current approach to food production. It then explores the catalytic role of cities and how they can seize the opportunity to change the global food system through three ambitions: Sourcing food grown regeneratively, and locally where appropriate Designing and marketing healthier food products Making the most of food About the Circular Economy The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again. The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy: 1 - Eliminate waste and pollution 2 - Keep products and materials in use 3 - Regenerate natural systems Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity. About the Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.

This learning path explores the nuances of the concept of a circular economy, including the difference between biological and technical materials, the different opportunities that exist to keep materials and products in use, and the history of the idea. Finally, the benefits of shifting from a linear to a circular economy are highlighted. About the Circular Economy The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again. The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy: 1 - Eliminate waste and pollution 2 - Keep products and materials in use 3 - Regenerate natural systems Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity. About the Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.

What will it take to transform our throwaway economy into one where waste is eliminated, resources are circulated, and nature is regenerated? The circular economy gives us the tools to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss together, while addressing important social needs. It gives us the power to grow prosperity, jobs, and resilience while cutting greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and pollution. About the Circular Economy The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again. The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy: 1 - Eliminate waste and pollution 2 - Keep products and materials in use 3 - Regenerate natural systems Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity. About The Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.

Digital technologies and new business models are opening up the possibility of an economy based on the idea of stock optimisation. What if people or firms paid for the performance of goods and then handed them back when they no longer needed them? There is growing evidence that this is a smart route to take, generating positive returns for society, for the environment, and for the economy. About The Circular Economy The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again. The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy: 1 - Eliminate waste and pollution 2 - Keep products and materials in use 3 - Regenerate natural systems Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity. About The Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.

Imagine if we created an economic system built on abundance rather than scarcity. Taking advantage of the latest digital tools, computational power, material science, biomimicry, and a somewhat older idea - the commons - this new system could have the power to transform how we live and work. System Reset is a feature-length documentary which explores this story of change in our economy. About The Circular Economy The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again. The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy: 1 - Eliminate waste and pollution 2 - Keep products and materials in use 3 - Regenerate natural systems Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity. About The Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.

In this video, Leontino Balbo Jr has developed an approach to organic sugar cane production with the potential to disrupt the whole agricultural sector itself. In 1986, Leontino began experimenting with “ecosystems revitalising agriculture”, a new approach that he believed could increase crop yields, reduce pest numbers, and restore natural capital, all while reducing reliance on natural resources. 29 years later, Leontino’s sugar cane farm, based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, has enjoyed unprecedented success with his work becoming a paragon of regenerative agriculture. About The Circular Economy The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again. The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy: 1 - Eliminate waste and pollution 2 - Keep products and materials in use 3 - Regenerate natural systems Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity. About The Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.

Rice-duck farming is an eco-friendly farming system different from the intensive chemical based rice farming. In this farming system ducks are raised in the rice field which provides an opportunity to exploit the symbiotic relationship between rice and ducks for higher productivity and better net income with positive impact on ecology. This video explores “Rice Duck Farming” and how it is being piloted as an integrated farming system to challenge the problems of malnutrition. Currently it is being implemented in three different locations in Chitwan district covering approximately 1.5 hectare of land, including 30 farmers. About the Circular Economy The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again. The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy: 1 - Eliminate waste and pollution 2 - Keep products and materials in use 3 - Regenerate natural systems Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity. About The Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.

How do we farm in a different way? How do we revive ecosystems through our farming methods? These are questions that Bren Smith, shellfish and seaweed farmer, asks himself. During 15 years of hard work, mistakes, and iteration, he created his business with 3D ocean farming. This video explores just what 3D ocean farming is. About The Circular Economy The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again. The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy: 1 - Eliminate waste and pollution 2 - Keep products and materials in use 3 - Regenerate natural systems Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity. About The Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.

This lesson is part of a 5-part series introducing the circular economy and systems thinking. Changing our food systems to one based on the principles of the circular economy is one of the most powerful things we can do to fight climate change and restore biodiversity. When achieved we can provide healthy and nutritious food for all. This lesson focuses on the circular economy and modern agriculture. By the end of the lesson students will be able to understand the challenges around conventional monocultures, explore the importance of seeing the whole system when designing solutions, and critically evaluate the challenges in modern agriculture and securing food supply for the future. Subject: Economics, Geography, Environmental Systems, Biology, Chemistry Age range: 12-19 years Total time: 45-70 minutes Learning Outcomes: • To understand the challenges around conventional monocultures and soil quality • To explore the importance of seeing the whole system when designing solutions • To critically evaluate the challenges in modern agriculture and securing food supply for the future. About the Circular Economy The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again. The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy: 1 - Eliminate waste and pollution 2 - Keep products and materials in use 3 - Regenerate natural systems Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity. About the Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.

The previous lesson introduced the students to the circular economy. In this activity, students will be asked to design their own product or service fit for a circular economy. The product or service will allow the materials and energy to rejoin a circular flow. This activity includes two learning activities focused on designing a product or a service. It also includes presentations showing case studies to be used as a visual aid. Subjects: Economics, Sociology, Business, Citizenship, Design Technology Age range: 12-19 years Total time: 120 minutes Learning outcomes: • To learn about companies that have adopted the circular economy framework • To design a product or service based on the circular economy About the Circular Economy "The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again. The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy: 1 - Eliminate waste and pollution 2 - Keep products and materials in use 3 - Regenerate natural systems Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity. " About The Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.

This lesson is part of a 5-part series introducing the circular economy and systems thinking. The circular economy refers to an industrial economy that is restorative by intention. It aims to rely on renewable energy, minimise the use of toxic chemicals, and eradicate waste through careful design. It involves careful management of material and resource flows which is explored in this lesson. This lesson focuses on understanding the challenge ‘finite’ resources. Students will be able to understand the urgent challenge that finite resources pose, explore economic history since the industrial revolution, and critically evaluate our current consumption and production systems. Through this they can explore sustainability and better ways of dealing with resources. Subjects: Economics, Geography, Environmental Systems, Sociology, Business, Citizenship Age range: 12-19 years Total time: 45-70 minutes Learning outcomes: • To understand the urgent challenge that finite resources pose to our current economic system • To explore economic history since the industrial revolution through personal narrative • To critically evaluate our current consumption and production systems and explore better ways of dealing with resources About the Circular Economy The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again. The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy: 1 - Eliminate waste and pollution 2 - Keep products and materials in use 3 - Regenerate natural systems Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity. About The Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.

This lesson is part of a 5-part series introducing the circular economy and systems thinking. In the last activity, your students were asked to challenge some common ‘solutions’ to environmental problems. The argument is that most problems are connected so solutions to environmental problems affect the economy, and so on. Systems thinking approach is fundamental to understanding how our economy could work for economic, societal, and environmental gain. In this activity students will be able to compare living systems with man made systems, critique our materials economy, and begin to investigate an alternative model: the circular economy. The pack includes activities involving cut-outs, a powerpoint, videos, and discussion points. Subject: Economics, Geography, Environmental Systems, Biology, Sociology, Business, Citizenship, Design Technology Age range: 12-19 Total time: 60 minutes Learning outcomes: • to compare living systems with man-made systems • to critique our materials economy • to begin to investigate an alternative model: the circular economy About the Circular Economy The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again. The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy: 1 - Eliminate waste and pollution 2 - Keep products and materials in use 3 - Regenerate natural systems Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity. About The Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.

This lesson is part of a 5-part series introducing the circular economy and systems thinking. Education about improving the environment often comes to familiar conclusions such as ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ but what if those conclusions have detrimental effects in other areas, such as employment, standards of living, and the economy? In other words, what if these conclusions fail to see the bigger picture? In this activity, a series of videos is used as a stimulus for classroom discussion about how environmental goals could be aligned with economic goals. There are nine videos and each is no longer than 1 minute. The videos each end with a challenge for the viewer. We suggest you watch them in advance and read the notes below so you are prepared for the discussion. Subjects: Economics, Geography, Environmental Systems, Sociology, Business, Citizenship Age range: 12-19 Total time: 60 minutes Learning outcomes: • To understand that environmental issues can be intrinsically linked to economic issues • To critique the flaws inherent in some common approaches to environmental education • To begin to investigate a different way of approaching environmental, social, and economic issues About the Circular Economy The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again. The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy: 1 - Eliminate waste and pollution 2 - Keep products and materials in use 3 - Regenerate natural systems Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity. About The Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.

Plastics have become an integral part of modern life, providing many benefits for consumers and producers. But what happens to our waste plastics? Where does it all end up? Is recycling plastics really that effective? In this lesson, students will explore how we use plastics in everyday packaging and how these might be redesigned in such a way as to not become a ‘waste’ problem. Moving beyond methods to ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ at the end of life, students will explore ways of designing waste out of the system from the outset. This activity includes Learning intentions: To deepen awareness of the systemic challenges around plastics packaging and how these might be overcome through redesign. Subjects: Design and Technology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Business Age range: 12+ Total time: 2x 45 minutes (90 minutes total) About the Circular Economy The circular economy is a new way to design, make, and use things within the limits of our planet. In the natural world, materials and nutrients cycle continuously, allowing the Earth’s biosphere to regenerate and for all lifeforms - humans included - to flourish. This insight lies at the heart of the circular economy. Instead of using things for a short time before throwing them away, in a circular economy everything is designed to fit within a cycle so it can be used again and again. The concept is based on three principles, driven by design, and underpinned by a transition to renewable energy: 1 - Eliminate waste and pollution 2 - Keep products and materials in use 3 - Regenerate natural systems Using these principles, we can create a system that restores biodiversity, addresses climate change, and makes the most of our planet’s limited resources. Such a system could work for the economy, society, and environment - making it a truly sustainable model for our future prosperity. About The Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, develops and promotes the idea of a circular economy in order to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time, such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. We work with, and aim to inspire, business, academia, policymakers, and institutions to mobilise systems solutions at scale, globally.