Page 12 - SGG_220316_Teachers_Handbook_Module_2

2. Introduction to Circular Economy

2.1. Circular Economy
After learning what linear economy is and its negative impact on our planet, you may now ask your

Page | 12 students why the transition to a circular economy is important and what they think it is. You can
12
show the image below:

The circular economy is a model where existing materials can and should be shared, reused,
repaired, refurbished and recycled as long as possible. In this way, the life cycle of products
is extended and the waste is reduced to a minimum. (www.europarl.europa.eu, 2015)

Us humans are producing too much toxic waste from resources that are running out. Moving to a
circular economy, everything will have value and nothing will be wasted. (National Geographic Kids,
2020)

Now, let them picture they are holding a smart phone that stopped working. What would
they do in a linear economy world and what in a circular one?

In a circular economy, smartphones would be designed in a way where their precious metals and
materials inside them could be reused or safely returned to nature. On the other hand, it would be
chucked away in a linear one, littering our planet in the process (National Geographic Kids, 2020).

This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This communication reflects the
views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the

information contained therein.