Around the world, businesses, innovators, policymakers,
and cities are recognising that our take, make, waste linear
economy – in which finite resources are extracted to make
products that are used, generally not to their full potential,
and then thrown away – is no longer
working for people or the planet.
They
are embracing the circular economy – a
framework based on three principles,
driven by design: eliminate waste
and pollution, circulate products and
materials (at their highest value), and
regenerate nature – as a way to help
build long-term growth and tackle global
challenges such as climate change,
pollution, and biodiversity loss.
The circular economy is a big idea, and it’s here to stay.
To help those interested in learning how we can build and
scale an economy to create resilience and prosperity for
business, the environment, and society, and getting to grips
with the concept of the circular economy and what it looks like
in practice, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation has launched a
new learning course – Circular Economy: The Big Idea.
Available on the Future Learn platform (bit.ly/CEbigidea),
the course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the
circular economy, in principle and
practice, in an easy-to-follow online
format.
The course is free to take, with a
charge for certification if required. It
runs entirely online, is self-paced and
split into three modules, designed to
be completed over three weeks – the
circular economy concept, circular
design, and the role of policy. The
multi-media format includes videos
presented by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s learning team,
text resources, and examples and case studies demonstrating
the circular economy in action.
There is also a chat function for learners to leave
comments and discuss course topics.