Briefs & the creative world · Level 6
Sustainability & ethics
5 cards · 3 quiz · 0 exam
Creative Thinking · Level 6 · mrkellydt.co.uk
What you're learning in this topic
Learning intention WALT
We are learning about sustainability & ethics, specifically to:
know
- greenwashing and ethical issues
be able to
- apply circular economy ideas
Success criteria WILF
- I can apply circular economy ideas
- I can recognise greenwashing and ethical issues
The circular economy
In a linear economy we take, make and throw away. In a circular economy products are designed so materials are kept in use: designed out waste, products reused, repaired and remade, and materials recycled or returned safely to nature.
- Design for durability, repair and easy disassembly.
- Use recycled, renewable or locally sourced materials.
- Offer take-back, rental or refill schemes.
- Make on demand to avoid unsold stock.
Ethical design
- Fair pay and safe working conditions for makers.
- Honest advertising: no false claims or "greenwashing".
- Respect for people's privacy and wellbeing.
- Inclusive and accessible to all.
Greenwashing is claiming a product is more environmentally friendly than it really is.
Key terms
| Circular economy | Keeping materials in use: reduce, reuse, repair, remake, recycle |
|---|---|
| Linear economy | Take, make, throw away |
| Greenwashing | Claiming something is greener than it really is |
| Design for disassembly | Making products easy to take apart to repair or recycle |
| Make on demand | Producing only what has been ordered, to avoid waste |
Quick check
1. Which is part of a circular economy?
- Throwing old clothes in the general bin
- Buying new products more often
- Using single-use packaging for products
- A take-back scheme that remakes old products
Show answer
D: A take-back scheme that remakes old products. Materials stay in use.
2. A brand claims "100% eco" with no evidence. This is…
- Greenwashing
- Biomimicry
- Upcycling
- Prototyping
Show answer
A: Greenwashing. Misleading green claims.
3. Which design choice helps repair?
- Gluing every part shut permanently
- Using standard screws so parts can be replaced
- Fusing mixed materials together
- Hiding all of the fixings inside
Show answer
B: Using standard screws so parts can be replaced. Easy disassembly helps repair.
Printable worksheet
An I do, we do, you do worksheet for this topic, with a separate answer sheet.