1. Talking Rubbish
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: To identify and understand elements of public speaking, with a specific focus on organising content in a coherent manner.

2. Make a quick sketch and be prepared to explain your thinking.
Let’s start by thinking about the terms: ‘linear economy’ and ‘circular economy’
Images: ©All Around Plastics
If this image depicts a linear economy, what might a circular one look like?
Make a quick sketch and be prepared to explain your thinking.

3. linear economy circular economy
Images: ©All Around Plastics
‘A circular economy is an alternative to a traditional linear economy in which we keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each product life.’
Our economy is designed to extract raw materials from nature, process them into usable goods and then discard them either into a landfill, incinerator or somewhere in nature (usually by accident). This linear system is wasteful and the losses result in negative environmental impact.
The alternative to the linear economy is the circular economy, which is all about redesigning the way we produce goods and services so that they meet our needs in more sustainable and regenerative ways. It’s not about recycling; it’s really about redesigning the entire product or service delivery model so that human beings get the things they need without negatively impacting the natural systems that sustain us all.’
Description taken from WRAP

4. Circular Economy
People choose to depict circular economies in different ways.
What might the input and output on this diagram represent?
Click on to reveal answers.
Image from HSE

5. Linear Economy
Using your resources, work together to create a linear economy.
1. Using this sheet, carefully cut
out the rectangle, then fold
and crease along the dotted lines
to create an
accordion style booklet.
2. After accurately cutting out each image, work together to sequence them correctly.
3. Finally, label each stage with an appropriate word e.g. transportation

6. Work together to create a circular economy.
Using this sheet as a starting point, and referring to the linear depiction of the life cycle of a plastic bottle you made earlier, draw a possible circular economy for a plastic bottle.
Enhance the basic shape in any way you see fit, explaining appropriately.
Label each point in the sequence using a suitable word to explain the stage in the process.
Record any extra detail or questions you may have around the edge.
Included in this resource pack is a sheet of 6 pre drawn wedges should you wish to use it. It may be useful for students who will find this too challenging.
What differences between this and the linear economy are immediately apparent? Can students speculate what impact this type of economy would have on the environment on a long term basis? Check that they have understood that plastic can be used to make plastic and that this is preferable to starting with natural resources each time virgin plastic is manufactured.
Both resources created by the students will provide the basis for their public speaking challenge in Activity 3.

7. Circular v Linear Economy
Some people refer to a linear economy as
‘take-make-use-lose’
WHY?

8. Circular v Linear Economy
Natural Resources
Financial
Environment
Social
In a small group, explore the benefits of a circular economy (remember to consider different starting points).
Record how you wish.
Health
Employment

9. Time to get vocal!
Now you can see the huge advantages of a circular economy over a linear one, you
are going to prepare a short speech in which you will lobby either a business or organisation
who you believe could do better and reduce waste.
Is there a business who could do a LOT better?
How about directing your
speech to someone
in your school, to stop
use of single use plastic,
for example?
Perhaps focus on your
local council and ask them to set up a deposit return scheme?
In this section, students are challenged to make a short speech. They will film their speech and share on social media to lobby businesses and organisations (such as local councils) to think more in terms of a circular economy and move away from single use, building in systems such as the Deposit Return Scheme to capture plastic. If using social media in this way is not possible at your school, perhaps you could invite local business owners in to hear the speeches.

10. Public Speaking – Simple Steps to Success
Draft your speech, referring to these success criteria. Remember, if you are using social media, the camera effectively becomes your audience.
Use both the linear and circular economy you have created to sequence your thoughts and organise your content.
Rehearse and evaluate. Make improvements and then, when you are happy, record your speech.
Depending on which platform you have chosen, share your speech making sure it reaches its key audience!
First, establish success criteria for public speaking. If the children have previous experience then success criteria can be written as a class, otherwise refer to the supporting resource (Public Speaking – Simple Steps to Success). It may also help to watch a range of inspirational speeches such as these delivered by children as part of The Speakout Challenge.

11. “There can never truly be a circular economy when it comes to plastic”
PLENARY
“There can never truly be a circular economy when it comes to plastic”
Discuss