When it comes to climate change, we all know the importance of switching to clean, renewable forms of energy. But did you know that nearly half of greenhouse gas emissions come from how we make and use stuff? From cars to phones to food, producing the things we need contributes to climate change in a big way. And what do we do with most of this stuff? We throw it in landfill or burn it. A long term solution to climate change needs to look at the bigger picture, taking into account the way our entire economy runs. This lesson introduces the concept of the circular economy and how it can positively impact our climate. With big players in every sector beginning to invest in this new idea, the circular economy is already shaping the future. This resource has been created to honour Earth Day 2022. But of course, every day is Earth Day, really. 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 covers the role of design in creating a circular economy, examining the four-stage circular design process and highlighting six strategies for incorporating the principles of the circular economy into your designs. 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 Circular Design Guide is a collaboration between the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and IDEO, which is aimed at product and systems designers who want to understand how to design for a circular economy. The Guide contains, among other things, a selection of methods that designers could apply to their projects to support them to understand the circular economy and maximise its potential. 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 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.

The two cycles explore how both biological materials and technological materials can be designed to be reused to maximise productivity and minimise waste. Biological materials These are materials which can be safely returned to the biosphere to add value. Thus they don’t contain toxins. Technical materials Metals, polymers, alloys, etc which cannot be returned to the biosphere, but which should be designed in such a way to maximise their productivity - making use of them again and again with little or no reduction in quality. 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 animation shows how the circular economy aims to eliminate waste, keep products in use, and regenerate nature by cycling materials. Nature never creates waste, everything is used again and again. What if we could do the same? 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.

‘Re-Thinking Progress’ explores how through a change in perspective we can re-design the way our economy works - designing products that can be ‘made to be made again’ and powering the system with renewable energy. It questions whether we can build a restorative economy through creativity and innovation. This video explains the circular economy and how society can re-think progress. 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 course comprises several articles outlining some of the major innovations and trends associated with modern cities, both in terms of what is happening now and what is in store for the future. We recommend working through each of the articles and videos consecutively, either as part of a learning project relating to cities, technological innovation, or to the circular economy specifically. Topics covered include: the built environment, mobility, energy, food and wastewater, digital technology, and society. 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.