What is a Circular Economy?

A circular economy is a substitute to a linear economy, we can keep using our resources within our system for as long as possible.

  • Reuse as many times before we discard items
  • Then recycle and regenerate products at the end of their life
  • Keeping the energy and resources within our system
Pictographic of Linear Economy (represented by a straight line), Recycling Economy (represented by a line with two circles) and Circular economy (represented by a circular line)

Resource Overview

This resource has been developed to explore how products can be used in a circular way, extend pupils’ understanding of waste issues – including their past, present and future management.

Recycling materials into new products pushes the boundaries of design and innovation, which can be used to inspire children’s own creative projects.

Collaborating with companies based in the South-West indicates local innovation occurring around us every day and possibly within short distances from your schools.

GCSE specifications in design and technology requires students to consider the materials ecological footprint, how emerging technologies consider the environment, as well as environmental, social and economic challenges which influence manufacturing of products. Overall, this resource hopes to widen pupil’s perspective of “waste” being used in product design, in order to secure a sustainable future.

Areas covered are: environment, PSHE, discussion, creative thinking, presentation skills, teamwork, circular economy learning.

Circular Economy Teaching Resources

Resource Box held by two young people

PowerPoint Presentation

Interactive PowerPoint containing information on each material within the resource box, including activities and discussion points.

Quiz Answers

Printable quiz to cement knowledge from the PowerPoint presentation and overall recycling information.

We will be distributing resource boxes to every secondary school in Devon throughout Spring term 2020. If you have any queries, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Circular Economy Quiz

150
Created on By Millie Green
Pile of shoes

Circular Economy Quiz

Test your knowledge of the circular economy.

1 / 11

What is the difference between a circular and linear economy?

Crane

2 / 11

True of False, kerbside recycling is an important part of the circular economy.

3 / 11

True or false, recycling packaging conserves natural resources.

Image of woman recycling

4 / 11

True or false, composting waste is not part of the circular economy.

Image of compost heap and pitchfork

5 / 11

True or false, A circular economy is good for the environment but not good for the economy.

Image of card transaction

6 / 11

True or false, if there were no humans, then there would be no landfill.

Worker at landfill site

7 / 11

Select all examples of natural resources used to produce products

Image of a drought

8 / 11

True or false, if we make less stuff, there will be less work for people.

Children making or fixing an electronic device

9 / 11

True or false, in the future we could rent new technology or cars instead of owning them.

Electric car charging

10 / 11

True or false, the circular economy is just another name for recycling.

11 / 11

What are some benefits to a circular economy? (select all correct answers)

Pictographic of Linear Economy (represented by a straight line), Recycling Economy (represented by a line with two circles) and Circular economy (represented by a circular line)

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The average score is 69%

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