4 Nov. 2021. Sustainable packaging leader DS Smith has launched a lesson plan for young people as part of its ambition to help lead the transition to the circular economy.
Developed for ages 11 to 14, the lesson plan provides a useful set of assets to help teachers and anyone working with young people of that age group to introduce them to the circular economy and explain how we can all play a part in protecting the planet’s natural resources. You can request access to the fun and engaging Let’s Go Circular! pack online at https://www.dssmith.com/lesson-plan.
The lesson includes a variety of everyday examples, entertaining activities and engaging videos to explain the difference between the linear and circular economies, and helps young people understand the importance of recycling as part of protecting our finite natural resources.
The plan is launched at the New York Times Climate Hub’s Ellen MacArthur Foundation Café at COP26. Since 2019, DS Smith has worked closely with the Foundation as a Strategic Partner to build their strategy, operations, and packaging solutions around the circular economy.
The delivery of school lesson plans and community projects, allied with putting sustainability at the heart of its communication strategy, has already helped DS Smith engage over 1 million people on the circular economy. As part of its Now and Next sustainability strategy, the company has pledged to engage 5 million people on the circular economy by 2030, helping to inspire communities around the world to create a more sustainable, circular future.
Wouter van Tol, Head of Government, Community Affairs and Sustainability at DS Smith said:
“The circular economy plays a vital role in meeting the needs of society and protecting future generations. It sits at the heart of all we do at DS Smith, and we want to lead the way by inspiring young people and equipping them with the knowledge and resources they need to both understand what the circular economy is and, just as importantly, the role that they can play in helping to protect the world’s natural resources.”
The circular economy is an alternative solution to the current linear economy. Unlike the linear economy’s ‘take, make, consume and dispose’ mindset, the circular model is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems.