an economic system where products and materials are kept in circulation and do not become waste

a deliberate choice to meet a requirement or solve a problem

a gap, or a need where a new or improved product would be beneficial

Design: Spider boot and Jaipur foot

Design and technology

Investigating contexts

Circular economy and LCA

Manufacture and materials processing: Fairtrade

Distribution: Better Shelter and wind-up radio

Product in use: S H E uniform and Hippo Roller

Repair, maintenance and recycling: Energee Saw

Redesign: The Washing Machine Project

This unit develops pupils' knowledge of technology in the world around us.    The pupils consider a case study 'The Washing Machine Project' to empathise with issues faced by people in developing countries.  Pupils develop knowledge of moral and social issues alongside empathy.

The circular economy: developing countries

Ellen MacArthur Foundation states that {{}} of a product's environmental impact is influenced by decisions made at the design stage.

How many years does it take for a PET bottle to degrade?

How have Kibu headphones reduced their environment impact at the repair maintenance stage of the circular economy?

it can be manufactured from local materials

What makes the low cost prosthetic Jaipur Foot accessible for people in developing countries?

Artificial foot of rubber and wood, made in Jaipur, India, 1981

SMG00156712

1982-1212

Identify the examples of products that follow a circular economy.

Which stage of the circular economy would the be the use of hybrid or electric vehicles?

Successful design {{}} do not give a specific solution.

LCA assesses the environmental impact at the design stage of a product's life

LCA assesses the environmental impact at every stage of a product's life

LCA assesses the financial impact at every stage of a product's life

LCA assesses the waste impact at every stage of a product's life

What is the correct definition for life cycle assessment.

an economic system where products are kept in circulation

80% of a product's environmental impact is influenced by decisions made at which stage of the circular economy.

Starter Quiz