Circular Economy: The Big Idea

Our current linear economy consumes finite resources, turns them into products, and creates a never-ending stream of waste. Through the clever design of products, systems, and policies, we can instead create a circular approach that benefits businesses, people, and the planet.

On this three-week course developed by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, you will develop your understanding of how and where the circular economy came from. You will start by examining the limitations of the linear economy and why we cannot simply modify it to fix its problems. You will learn key terminology, concepts, and the three principles of the circular economy to ensure you are able to apply the thinking to your own work or studies.

Topics covered include using system diagrams to manage material flows and their intrinsic value, designing for a circular economy, circular business models and case studies, policies to accelerate the transition, and effectively communicating circular economy concepts.