It seeks a change from the linear “take, make, waste” approach that dominated the first industrial revolution to a circular system in which valuable materials are not lost to landfills or incinerators but are designed to return safely to nature or industry. The online course, Designing Cradle to Cradle Certified Products for the Circular Economy, helps student and professional designers explore the key principles embodied in Cradle to Cradle Certified products, peruse examples of revolutionary product design, and consider these innovations in the over-arching context of the “circular economy.” The call for a transition to a circular economy is rapidly gaining recognition worldwide. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: Best Student Project, Best Young-Professional Project, and Best Use of Autodesk Fusion 360 Tool.

Submissions are due March 15, 2015, and participants are able to begin the challenge as soon as the 1-hour course is completed. Launched in January 2015, the design challenge offers up to a $4,000 cash prize.

The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (C2CPII) and Autodesk have teamed up to promote their common vision of a design-led product and production revolution in support of the circular economy by offering a free web-based education program, which following completion, allows participants to submit their very own product design idea to the first ever Cradle to Cradle Product Design Challenge. Cradle to Cradle Product Design Challenge

Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough