Environmental education as a tool for implementing the circular economy

Abstract

As a way to change the economic paradigm of a society rooted in an economy that excessively exploits natural resources and stimulates consumption and production without considering the environmental problems posed by the linear model of production, Environmental Education (EE) emerges, establishing the necessary bases for the transition from the Linear economic model (take-make-dispose) for a Circular economic model, which is based on the principle of closing the life cycle of products, aiming to minimize the consumption of resources, the generation of waste and environmental degradation. EA is recognized as an effective instrument to contain the advance of the Linear Economy. The research question that arises is: How can Environmental Education practices be used as a tool in the implementation of the Circular Economy? This work aims to investigate the role of Environmental Education as an effective tool in the implementation of the circular economy, analyzing theoretical foundations, identifying strategies and discussing impacts of these actions and highlighting the importance of Environmental Education in the process of migration to a Circular Economy. To answer this question, fifteen publications were analyzed, including scientific articles and books, 09 tools/actions applied to different audiences were identified with a focus on the dissemination of knowledge about the Circular Economy and its implementation. It is concluded with this work that Environmental Education initiatives combined with the concepts of Circular Economy exert influence on environmental awareness, generating a more accurate view of the benefits of sustainable production for humanity and the planet.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevened2024.003-015