Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose: Research

Design a solution to your problem. Research and brainstorm possible solutions to the problem. Be creative and daring. Your first idea doesn’t have to be perfect.

Learn More

Challenge Champion Brandi Harleaux explains the concept of a closed-loop economy and how it helps the environment.

Helpful Resources

Explore these resources to learn more about how waste affects us, how entrepreneurs are beginning to chip away at the problem through circular design, and how you can use mathematics to build your solution. 

Understand the problem

Why is waste a problem and for whom?

• Video: What really happens to the plastic you throw away? (TedEx)
• The Hidden Damage of Landfills (University of Colorado)
• Video: What happens to used tires?
• Zero Waste (Wikipedia)

Ways scientists and entrepreneurs are currently addressing the problem

Upcycling

• What is the difference between Recycling and Upcycling?
• Video: Billboards to Bags 
• Plastic Bricks
• Reborn Clothing

Circular Economy

• The Circular Economy v1 (Ellen MacArthur Foundation)
• What is the Circular Economy (CNBC)
• Plastics and the Circular Economy (Ellen MacArthur Foundation)

Business Models

• Business Model Types

Math Resources

Use the following resources to learn or review key mathematics concepts that are essential for building your solution. 

• Exploring Cross-Sections using Geogebra – Use this resource to identify cross-sections created by slicing 3D figures.
• Quantifying Waste Using Volume (click here for editable Word Doc version) – use this resource to learn how to use volume to find the amount of material contained in your 3D composite figures.

Think About It

 

After reading through the helpful resources, what ideas do you have for your solution?

What problem will you solve with your business solution?