What Is the Circular Economy?

Provided by: The Kid Should See This |Published on: April 27, 2021

Articles/Websites

101112

Scientist Reviewed ↗

Synopsis

This video and article provided by The Kid Should See This explain how we could use the natural world as a model for a less wasteful economy.
Students will learn about reducing waste through biodegradation, repurposing products, and rethinking our economic infrastructures.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Biology, Economics

Authors: The Kid Should See This, Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Region: Global

Languages: English

View Resource

Teaching Materials

Positives

This video connects concepts from biology and the natural world to our economic systems and our relationship with products.
A brief article provides links to more information on circular economies.

Prerequisites

Students should be familiar with terms such as biodegradable, compostable, landfill, and soil nutrients.
The video does not mention our consumption habits; instead, it focuses on repurposing products and updating systems.

Differentiation & Implementation

To demonstrate their understanding, students can write an explanation for why they think it's called a "circular economy."
Students can brainstorm ways they can reuse, recycle, and reduce waste at home and school.
After watching, students can design sustainable products that would belong in a circular economy.
Other resources on this topic include this ClimateScience course on climate economics, this video on building an economy that is meant to thrive, not grow, and this video on doughnut economics.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

About the Partner Provider

The Kid Should See This

The Kid Should See This is a Webby award-winning collection of over 7,000 kid-friendly videos, curated for teachers and parents who want to share smarter, more meaningful media in the classroom and at home. Selections are grown-up-friendly, too. And thanks to TKSST members, it’s free and ad-free for everyone. Start conversations, spark questions, and inspire offline exploration for all ages.

Scientist Reviewed

This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.

Learn about our review process →

Related Teaching Resources

All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.

Cookie Preferences

What Is the Circular Economy?

Synopsis

Teaching Materials

About the Partner Provider

Scientist Reviewed

Related Teaching Resources