The complete life cycle of a food product: toward a zero waste model

The complete life cycle of a food product: Towards a zero waste model

Presentation

Did you know that a simple banana, from cultivation to consumption, generates a surprising amount of waste? This project invites students to become scientists, engineers, and economists to analyze the life cycle of a food product and design innovative solutions to reduce its environmental impact. By combining investigations, experiments, and modeling, students will work to transform an everyday product into an example of a circular economy. Their ultimate goal will be to present a prototype or a concrete solution at a local event.

Detailed structure and interdisciplinary teaching

1. Science (STEM)

Biology and ecology: Study the properties of organic waste for reuse.

Activity: Analyze food waste (decomposition, energy produced, etc.) using composters and biological tests.

Key competency: Understanding natural cycles and organic properties.

Chemistry: Explore possibilities for transforming food waste (biogas, enriched compost).

Activity: Produce biogas on a small scale or create fertilizer from organic waste.

Key competency: Applying chemical principles to sustainable solutions.

2. Technology and engineering

Prototyping a zero waste system: Designing a smart composter or an organic waste recycling system.

Activity: Use tools like Arduino to develop connected prototypes measuring decomposition rates or optimizing waste management.

Key competency: Integrating technology into ecological solutions.

Modeling: Create a digital simulation illustrating the product’s complete life cycle (software such as Scratch, Tinkercad, etc.).

Activity: Visualize energy flows and CO₂ emissions generated by the food product.

Key competency: Using simulation technologies to visualize complex processes.

3. Mathematics and economics

Cost and impact analysis: Calculate the financial and environmental costs associated with the product’s life cycle.

Activity: Collect data (production costs, transport, waste) and perform a cost-benefit analysis of a zero waste model.

Key competency: Handling quantitative data to inform decision-making.

Statistics: Assess the global impacts of food waste on the economy and ecology.

Activity: Analyze worldwide data and create visualizations (charts, maps).

Key competency: Communicating data through visual tools.

4. Languages (English and primary language)

Research and writing: Prepare a bilingual report on the product’s life cycle, including a summary of proposed solutions.

Activity: Analyze scientific articles in English and write a comparative study.

Key competency: Clear and structured written communication in two languages.

Oral presentation: Organize a "TEDx"-style event to present their solutions to a local audience.

Activity: Prepare impactful speeches in both English and French to raise awareness about waste management.

Key competency: Persuasive and engaging oral expression.

5. Arts and design

Visual communication: Create posters, infographics, or animations illustrating the product’s life cycle and sustainable alternatives.

Activity: Design an awareness campaign with striking visuals.

Key competency: Visual synthesis of complex information for the general public.

Artistic exhibition: Build a sculpture or installation using waste from the studied product.

Activity: Collaborate as a team to transform collected waste into a symbolic artwork.

Key competency: Creativity and aesthetic reflection.

Final product

Students will present a comprehensive project at an environmental or scientific event, including:

• A functional prototype (composter, biogas generator, etc.) or a digital model.

• A bilingual report detailing the product’s life cycle and proposed solutions.

• A multimedia awareness campaign (posters, videos).

• An artistic performance or interactive exhibition related to the project.

  
  

Evaluation

• Formative: Logbook documenting research, experiments, and prototypes.

• Summative: Assessment of the prototype, visual campaigns, and public presentations.

• Self- and peer evaluation: Reflection on the effectiveness of proposed solutions and collaborative work.

  
  

  This project places students at the heart of current environmental and technological challenges, enabling them to contribute concretely to solutions for a sustainable future.