Entrepreneurship and Waste Management

Cultivating Sustainable Solutions Through Education

Authors

  • Sweta Patnaik Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa
  • Shamil Isaacs Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54337/plate2025-10443

Keywords:

Waste management, Entrepreneurship, Environment, Sustainability, Innovation, Social

Abstract

This paper examines the critical intersection of waste management and entrepreneurship within the context of sustainability-focused education, emphasizing the importance of integrating these themes into academic curricula to address pressing global environmental challenges. As the world grapples with issues such as resource depletion, excessive waste generation, and unsustainable business practices, the transformative role of education becomes increasingly evident. This study highlights how equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and entrepreneurial mindset to innovate for sustainability can serve as a powerful catalyst for change. 

The paper proposes a multidimensional pedagogical approach that combines theoretical understanding with practical application, fostering critical and innovative thinking. The paper also explores the role of experiential learning methodologies, such as problem-based learning, design thinking, and value co- creation, in fostering collaboration across disciplines and engaging stakeholders. By doing so, it seeks to prepare the next generation of environmentally conscious entrepreneurs capable of addressing waste management challenges while contributing to a more sustainable future. 

References

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Hirvonen, R., & Johansson, M. (2025). Integration of Environmental Sustainability in Startups Business Models?: A qualitative study on startup companies in the clean technology industry in Sweden (Dissertation). Retrieved from https://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-46428

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Published

24-06-2025

How to Cite

Patnaik, S., & Isaacs, S. (2025). Entrepreneurship and Waste Management: Cultivating Sustainable Solutions Through Education. Proceedings of the 6th Product Lifetimes and the Environment Conference (PLATE2025), (6). https://doi.org/10.54337/plate2025-10443

Issue

Section

Track 9: Education, Tools, and Games – Research Papers