Sustainable design in action on Earth Day

Published 22nd April 2026

Today on Earth Day, it is worth recognising how design and technology is increasingly being shaped by sustainability, not as an extra topic, but as a core principle driving innovation in classrooms, universities and communities. Across the UK, students, engineers and designers are showing how waste can become a resource, and how real-world problems can inspire meaningful solutions for teachers to bring into learning.

Rethinking waste through material innovation

London South Bank University graduate, Josh Myers has created Denimolite, a composite material made from denim waste, including difficult-to-recycle stretch fabrics, bound with plant-based resin. It directly addresses the environmental impact of textile production, including water pollution and microplastics, while demonstrating circular design in action.

At Nottingham Trent University, Pressed by Ella Sainsbury transforms grape pomace from the wine industry into biodegradable packaging, offering a plastic-free alternative with wide product applications. Similarly, at University of Lincoln, Ceramegg reimagines eggshell waste into compostable tableware, showing how natural materials and design thinking can combine to reduce landfill and support soil health. In fashion, J.O Studio, led by Jess O’Riley, extends this thinking by turning discarded festival tents into modular, repairable clothing, challenging fast fashion through reuse and longevity.

Human-centred and circular systems in practice

Beyond materials, the The Washing Machine Project, led by Nav Sawhney, develops hand-operated washing machines for communities without reliable electricity or water, reducing daily labour and improving quality of life. At Neston High School, a student-led makerspace has recycled over 800,000 bottle tops into new products, building a full closed-loop system using shredding, extrusion and moulding.

What this means for teachers in design and technology

For teachers, these examples reinforce the value of embedding sustainability into everyday learning. The E-Learning course ‘Embedding sustainable practice in design and technology’ supports teachers to make sustainability a fundamental part of the curriculum, with practical approaches to not only include it, but embed it at the core of teaching and learning. It offers clear strategies to strengthen how sustainability is planned, taught and assessed within design and technology. Earth Day today is a reminder that design and technology is not only about making things, but about making a difference.