Envisioning a Circular Economy
Due Date
Sunday, 11:59pm PT
Instructions
This week’s readings and videos covered the principles of a circular economy at the global level and the industry level. In this week’s assignment, you’ll convey your knowledge of these principles through diagrams and a paper. Complete the following for this assignment:
Diagram your concept of the circular economy at the global level. Include definitions, concepts, and main features of the circular economy and sustainable design. Your diagram may be hand-drawn or created with computer software. Reference the Venngage website (https://venngage.com/blog/types-of-diagrams/). to learn about different types of diagrams.
Diagram your concept of the circular economy at the level of the industry or field in which you are most likely to be involved (or already are involved) in your career. Include definitions, concepts, and main features of the circular economy and sustainable design. Please note that there will be similarities and differences between the global-level diagram and the industry-level diagram.
Compare the two diagrams you produced, then write a 1–2 page paper describing the theories and practices of circular design, how they apply to business models, and their potential limitations.
Formatting
Style: Your diagrams can take a variety of forms (e.g., mind map, pyramid diagram, or flow chart). Your paper should be written in narrative form, using complete sentences and paragraphs.
Length: Your diagrams should each be 1 page in length. Your paper should be approximately 1-2 pages in length. Points will be deducted for assignments that exceed the specified length (see rubric below for more details).
APA Formatting
Videos and Multimedia
Video: The Circular Economy | World Economic Forum (1:51, TranscriptLinks to an external site.)
World Economic Forum. (2016, March 16). The circular economy | World Economic Forum [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prJTB19dnaU
Focus Questions:
What are the products and services that are connected to or involved with the concept of a circular economy?
Which of those products and services appear to be the best candidates for further exploration of the circular economy concept?
Video: Explaining Circular Economy: Best Real-Life Examples | The Circular Economy Show Episode 11 (36:32, TranscriptLinks to an external site.)
Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2020, September 15). Explaining circular economy: Best real-life examples | The circular economy show episode 11 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvsps9DHVcw
Focus Questions:
What circular economy strategies are successfully being used by organizations?
What are the impacts of these strategies?
Required Readings
Circular Economy: Definition, Principles, Benefits and Barriers
youmatter. (2020, February 21). Circular economy: Definition, principles, benefits and barriersLinks to an external site.. https://youmatter.world/en/definition/definitions-circular-economy-meaning-definition-benefits-barriers/
*Note: This article contains spelling and grammar usage that is generally considered incorrect. This is likely a result of the translation process. The article has still been deemed credible.
Focus Questions:
What are the three most important principles of a circular economy?
Why are these particular circular economy principles important?
Critiques of the Circular Economy
Corvellec, H., Stowell, A. F., & Johansson, N. (2022). Critiques of the circular economyLinks to an external site.. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 26(2), 421–432. https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.13187
Focus Questions:
What are the primary critiques of the circular economy concept?
How might one of the primary critiques of the circular economy be addressed by society, organizations, or individuals?
Ecological Economics
ejolt. (n.d.). Ecological economicsLinks to an external site.. http://www.ejolt.org/2013/02/ecological-economics/
Focus Questions:
How do the principles of ecological economics differ from the principles of traditional neoclassical (capitalist) economics?
Is ecological economics practical enough to implement widely?
The Limits to Growth at 50: From Scenarios to Unfolding Reality
Heinberg, R. (2022, February 24). The limits to growth at 50: From scenarios to unfolding realityLinks to an external site.. Resilience.org. https://www.resilience.org/stories/2022-02-24/the-limits-to-growth-at-50-from-scenarios-to-unfolding-reality/
Focus Questions:
What is your assessment of whether limits to economic growth are real?
What is your assessment of whether limits to growth need to be addressed by human societies, organizations, and individuals?
Improving Circular Economy Business Models: Opportunities for Business and Innovation: A New Framework for Businesses to Create a Truly Circular Economy
Chen, C.-W. (2020). Improving circular economy business models: Opportunities for business and innovation: A new framework for businesses to create a truly circular economy. Johnson Matthey Technology Review, 64(1), 48–58. https://doi.org/10.1595/205651320X15710564137538
Focus Questions:
What important considerations can lead to improper policies when designing circular business modes?
What are the vital considerations for businesses when resolving barriers to the circular economy?
Optional Reading
Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (n.d.). How to build a circular economyLinks to an external site.. https://ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/
*Note: This site includes several readings. Skim these readings and reference specific articles as needed throughout the course.
