Part 2 - Choose a product to improve
In this stage, you are tasked with identifying a product frequently used within your school environment. This product will become your primary focus throughout the course of this program as you devise methods to increase its sustainability and align it with the principles of a circular economy.
Products used in a school
Begin by familiarising yourself with the environment in your school. Consider all the items you see in a typical school from stationary and school supplies, to furniture, sports equipment and electronic devices. If you find it challenging to settle on a single product, it may be helpful to jot down a list of all the items you observe during a regular school day.
Special attention should be given to items that are disposable or seem to have a high turnover rate – these are products that are frequently replaced or thrown away. They offer substantial potential for improvement in terms of sustainability.
Potential for Multiple Uses
Think creatively about how a product might be used in more than one way. The key to a circular economy is to extract as much value from a product as possible, which often involves finding multiple uses for a single item. For instance, a whiteboard could also function as a projection screen.