Schools That Educate Students Who Transform Businesses and Change the World: The Transformative Role of Education for the Circular Economy

Abstract

The linear economic model continues to intensify environmental degradation and resource depletion, yet education for the circular economy (ECE) remains underdeveloped, particularly within basic education and in the Global South. This study evaluates the feasibility and effectiveness of an ECE Programme grounded in active learning methodologies, implemented in four schools in Brazil. The findings indicate a significant improvement in students' knowledge, increased interest in learning about and applying Circular Economy (CE) practices, and high levels of programme acceptance. The activities proved flexible and replicable across diverse educational contexts and age groups. However, deeper attitudinal change also depends on cultural and political factors, as well as sustained teacher and institutional engagement to ensure scalability. The study provides rare empirical evidence from the Global South and proposes an integrative ECE framework aligned with SDGs 4 and 12, contributing to the development of green skills and to organisational practices more closely aligned with CE principles.