A Circular Future
Students learn about the environmental impact clothing has, how fabrics are made and what a closed-loop sustainable clothing industry could look like in the future.
Students are introduced to the concept of circularity and learn about the lifecycle of clothing through videos and discussions. Students will participate in an activity that involves designing a closed-loop business model and will pitch their product to the group.
What You Need
No materials needed. Worksheets may be printed in advance or completed using a device.
Guide:
PowerPoint:
Safety Notes
Ensure you are familiar with Let's Talk Science's precautions with respect to safe delivery of virtual outreach to youth. These precautions can be found in the manual for this activity.
What To Do
Please note that the full activity description and presentation are attached. The activity is an extension activity from the Let's Talk Science Clothing4Climate workshop. Below is a brief overview of what to do, but full details and lesson plan are in the attached files.
Introduction
- Students will answer the following reflection questions individually:
- Think about all of the processes that need to happen to your clothing before it gets to you. List the locations of some of these processes (e.g., a factory).
- How do you think people decide what clothing to wear? What are some of the factors that might affect people's clothing choices?
- Where do you think clothing goes after people are done using it?
- Do you think how people wash and care for their clothing impacts how long it lasts? Why or why not?
- Do you think the way people buy, wear and dispose of clothing impacts the environment?
Circularity and Clothing
- Review the 'Life Cycle of Clothes' diagram. Ask "how do you think the life cycle of clothes might impact the environment?"
- Watch Let's Talk Science's 'Trouble with Clothing' video.
- Ask "how could we change this process to reduce waster?"
- Review the linear economy diagram.
- Discuss the circular economy diagram.
- Watch the 'Explaining the Circular Economy' video by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
- Go through the Interactive Quiz found on slides 15-20 on the presentation. If using a platform similar to Zoom, you can create these polls in advance of your visit.
Activity 1: Closed-loop Business
- Using the worksheets, students will have 15-20 minutes to design their business and product.
- The product must fit in a circular economy by involving one of the following: Rent, Reuse, Repair or Resell.
Activity 2: Pitch your Idea
- Students will work on a 2-3 minute pitch using the worksheets provided.
- Students will present their idea to the class.
Debrief
- Review reflection questions and answers.
- Discuss other businesses and products.
- Discuss possible careers related to the topics covered and what students need to do to (schooling, experience, etc.) to get into those careers.
Discovery
Students learn about what a circular economy and business are by developing a business model and product that closes the waste loop by reducing waste and greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere.
Circular economies close the waste loop and reduce the effects products have on the Earth. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and rethinking the lifecycle of everyday products.
- Career Profile: Luc Houle, Founder of Johnny Footwear
- Career Profile: Frances Edmonds, Head of Sustainable Impact, HP Canada
- Careers in Sustainability (Lessons): Students explore non-traditional careers related to sustainability and sustainable development.
What's Happening?
Students learn about what a circular economy and business are by developing a business model and product that closes the waste loop by reducing waste and greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere.
Why Does It Matter?
Circular economies close the waste loop and reduce the effects products have on the Earth. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and rethinking the lifecycle of everyday products.
Investigate Further
- Career Profile: Luc Houle, Founder of Johnny Footwear
- Career Profile: Frances Edmonds, Head of Sustainable Impact, HP Canada
- Careers in Sustainability (Lessons): Students explore non-traditional careers related to sustainability and sustainable development.
