Student competition “All Around…the Circular Economy”
About this good practice
Greece, as the whole world, faces the severe consequences of the climate crisis.Education about the Circular Economy is essential because it addresses the greatest challenge of our time: How can we maintain a good quality of life, respecting the planet's finite resources? Children, as future citizens, are our most important allies in driving this change. Since 2019, incommon invites elementary, middle and high school students and teachers across the country to surprise us with their inspiration, talent and knowledge about the circular economy. By first understanding the difficulties and challenges associated with the existing linear economy model (take-produce-consume-throw away), they are asked to see their everyday life with fresh eyes, and find circular ways to extend the life cycle of resources we share at our schools and homes. The aim of the competition “All Around…the Circular Economy” is to draw up a circular economy plan that could be implemented at school level. It is up to the students and the teachers who coordinate their projects, whether they will present only a theoretical plan or they will also implement it! Incommon’s team supports the participants during the preparation of the plans.
Resources needed
Two members of our team (one volunteer) oversee the student competition, conduct monitoring and evaluation and engage in ongoing research to assess the project's impact and school response. The student competition is running on a volunteer basis using our own resources.
Evidence of success
The school community engages with the theme of the circular economy, taking action through diverse practices to improve daily life. These include writing lyrics on circularity, composting, creating recycling corners, board games, awareness posters, and digital escape rooms. Over 1,500 students and 150 educators have participated so far, submitting 62 projects. All proposals are honored with distinctions based on their content.
Potential for learning or transfer
The student competition “All Around…the Circular Economy” is highly adaptable and can easily be transferred to other regions or coordinated by different organizations. It is an open call, supporting the participants throughout the implementation of the action plan, without spatial limitations, reaching even the most remote areas of the country. The call is addressed to students of all ages, from both general and special education schools across Greece. The goal is not the recognition—since all participants are essentially honored—but the initiation of action that identifies problems and proposes bottom-up solutions centered around the school community.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
