Eco Code
Introduction
Circular Economy is a strategic concept based on the reduction, reutilization, recuperation and recycling of materials and energy. It is much more than recycling!
By replacing the end-of-life concept of linear economy with new circular flows of reuse, restoration and renewal, in an integrated process, circular economy is seen as a key element to promote the reduction of resource consumption, in other words, maintains added value in products for the longest possible time and eliminates waste.
Can we apply Circular Economy thinking in our homes, at school, at work, in our everyday lives? This is the challenge we have for you!
By replacing the end-of-life concept of linear economy with new circular flows of reuse, restoration and renewal, in an integrated process, circular economy is seen as a key element to promote the reduction of resource consumption, in other words, maintains added value in products for the longest possible time and eliminates waste.
Can we apply Circular Economy thinking in our homes, at school, at work, in our everyday lives? This is the challenge we have for you!
Task
The best way to start having a “green” behaviour, friend of nature and still – very important – save money, is to change our consumption habits!
Have you ever thought of the Ecological Footprint that we leave from the beginning to the end of our day? And inside your school/education organisation or institute, during the classes? This is the task we have for you: think in a set of rules – ECO CODE – which could be followed by all of us – teachers, trainers, learners and staff.
The Eco-Code should express a statement of objectives translated into concrete actions, which all members of the community should follow, thus constituting the environmental code of conduct of the educational institution.
In a nutshell: We count on you to elaborate a group of 10 “green” rules that encourage the recycling, reuse and reduction of waste while we are at school, at home or office.
Let’s do it!
Have you ever thought of the Ecological Footprint that we leave from the beginning to the end of our day? And inside your school/education organisation or institute, during the classes? This is the task we have for you: think in a set of rules – ECO CODE – which could be followed by all of us – teachers, trainers, learners and staff.
The Eco-Code should express a statement of objectives translated into concrete actions, which all members of the community should follow, thus constituting the environmental code of conduct of the educational institution.
In a nutshell: We count on you to elaborate a group of 10 “green” rules that encourage the recycling, reuse and reduction of waste while we are at school, at home or office.
Let’s do it!
Process
1. Begin by building your team. It’s best to let the facilitator help you on this, as it will depend on the size of the group.
2. Before start thinking on the 10 rules for your Eco-Code, you and your team should check some examples of Eco-Codes available online. You can search on Google by “eco code” and see examples of rules and some designs.
Visit several websites for a better understanding of what an Eco-Code is.
3. Start to define in a worksheet: the name of your team, team members, 10 rules for your Eco-Code.
Hint: This is not a list of vogues expressions, such as: “Let’s take care of the environment and preserve wildlife”. Each statement must describe a concrete action to be taken by all elements of the community: teachers, trainers, learners and staff.
Also think about the design that your Eco-Code will have: what about something related to your context…?
4. When you are satisfied with your idea/plan, submit the completed sheet to the trainer for validation.
5. Next, get to work! Gather the materials you will need to prepare your Eco-Code. Try to select reusable materials.
6. Design your Eco-Code, reusing the materials you have collected.
7. In the end, share your Eco-Code with your class, as your colleagues will also do with their groups’ Eco-Codes. A voting session can be organised by your trainers, involving also other classes and even the organisation staff. The best piece will be selected to promote an Eco-Code in the institution!
Hint: Think about a normal day and the materials you use, what you throw away without reusing…the amount of energy we waste. Could the paper I used for the worksheets be reused in another way? Spent too many bottles of water during the day? Did I leave the classroom light on when I left?
8. Assessment
2. Before start thinking on the 10 rules for your Eco-Code, you and your team should check some examples of Eco-Codes available online. You can search on Google by “eco code” and see examples of rules and some designs.
Visit several websites for a better understanding of what an Eco-Code is.
3. Start to define in a worksheet: the name of your team, team members, 10 rules for your Eco-Code.
Hint: This is not a list of vogues expressions, such as: “Let’s take care of the environment and preserve wildlife”. Each statement must describe a concrete action to be taken by all elements of the community: teachers, trainers, learners and staff.
Also think about the design that your Eco-Code will have: what about something related to your context…?
4. When you are satisfied with your idea/plan, submit the completed sheet to the trainer for validation.
5. Next, get to work! Gather the materials you will need to prepare your Eco-Code. Try to select reusable materials.
6. Design your Eco-Code, reusing the materials you have collected.
7. In the end, share your Eco-Code with your class, as your colleagues will also do with their groups’ Eco-Codes. A voting session can be organised by your trainers, involving also other classes and even the organisation staff. The best piece will be selected to promote an Eco-Code in the institution!
Hint: Think about a normal day and the materials you use, what you throw away without reusing…the amount of energy we waste. Could the paper I used for the worksheets be reused in another way? Spent too many bottles of water during the day? Did I leave the classroom light on when I left?
8. Assessment
- The Eco-Codes will be displayed in the classroom
- The best Eco-Code of the class will be elected: voted by colleagues, trainers and staff
- The best Eco-Code will be exposed to the school community and assumed as the school’s Eco-Code
Evaluation and Learning Outcomes
On the completion of this webquest, the learner will be able to:
| Knowledge | Skills | Attitudes |
| · Fundamental knowledge on circular economy · Fundamental knowledge of information search tools ·Fundamental knowledge of time management ·Fundamental knowledge of teamwork rules |
·Identify attitudes related to circular economy processes ·Research, gather and organize information · Select materials with a higher reuse potential compared to other materials available to perform a work · Reuse materials creatively to perform a work · Work in a team to complete an assignment · Use own characteristics to maximize the team’s performance |
· Demonstrate a critical sense when comparing a linear economy with circular economy · Adapt own behaviour to the circumstances in order to promote a good teamwork environment · Cooperate with others to achieve the team’s goals · Take responsibility for its own performance and tasks in the team · Handle criticism and accept constructive feedback |
Conclusion
We count on you to promote change!
Act locally, think globally!
Act locally, think globally!
