Mundane circular economy policy: Mainstreaming CE education through the agency of schools

Abstract

This study examines the ways in which the implementation of Circular Economy (CE) principles in basic education in Indonesia contribute to advancing sustainability transitions. The research addresses two key questions. First, how can the disparity between CE principles and their application in everyday practices within educational institutions be effectively bridged? And second, to what extent does this bridging process facilitate the transformation of schools toward the CE paradigm? Employing technologically enabled multi-criteria mapping methods, this study implements an action-based approach which include school principals on Java Island, Indonesia, from 2022 to 2023. The research reveals the significance of using practical mapping tools, specifically (1) mundane circular school decision mapping, (2) mundane decision prioritization map, and (3) transformative pathways for CE transition, for bridging the gap between CE principles and practical application. These outputs, which were collaboratively produced by researchers and school principals, draw insights from current practices and reflections on the Indonesia Green Principal Awards (IGPA) program, which fosters circular transformation in educational institutions. This research contributes to the introduction of mundane circular economy policy concept which illustrate the everyday dimension of circular economy practices at the grassroots level by integrating CE principles into basic education, contributing significantly to the broader global sustainability agenda.