The Circular Quest

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

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Escape Room Game

The Circular Quest

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You are a team of young social entrepreneurs working at Eco-Innovators, a company dedicated to solving environmental challenges through circular economy principles. Recently, you’ve discovered a mysterious letter indicating that someone within the company is trying to sabotage your efforts by hiding crucial information about packaging, plastic, food and nutrients, and water sectors. Your mission is to solve the puzzles, uncover the hidden information, and ensure the company stays on its circular economy path. You have 30 minutes before the saboteur strikes!

Introduction

Complete each puzzle to beat the game: there is no other way to escape!

Puzzles

Final Puzzle

Puzzle 5

Puzzle 4

Puzzle 3

Puzzle 2

Puzzle 1

You are in the packaging innovation lab. Your task is to uncover the secret formula for eco-friendly packaging.

Puzzle 1 - PACKAGING ROOM

Before diving into the packaging room puzzles, immerse yourself in this 360 video on plastic in the ocean to understand the real-world impact of waste, and how sustainable choices can make a difference in protecting our planet!

Puzzle 1 - PACKAGING ROOM

Before we begin, watch this 360° video - The Sea of Waste

Hint

Puzzle 1 - PACKAGING ROOM

1/4

00:30

Hint

Puzzle 1 - PACKAGING ROOM

00:30

2/4

Hint

Puzzle 1 - PACKAGING ROOM

00:30

3/4

Puzzle 1 - PACKAGING ROOM

Hint

4/4

00:30

Did You Know?

Puzzle 1 - PACKAGING ROOM

Switching to compostable packaging can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25% compared to conventional plastic packaging. Every ton of recycled cardboard saves 46 gallons of oil, 17 trees, and 7,000 gallons of water.

You Are A Change-Maker

Stay Inspired! Remember, every product we use and every package we discard has a lifecycle. You now have the knowledge to make informed choices that contribute to a circular economy. Keep pushing for better solutions—both in your personal life and in the workplace.

Puzzle 1 - PACKAGING ROOM

Complete each puzzle to beat the game: there is no other way to escape!

Puzzles

Final Puzzle

Puzzle 5

Puzzle 4

Puzzle 3

Puzzle 2

Puzzle 1

You are a lab researcher, and Eduardo has assigned you the task of evaluating the properties of different sustainable materials to determine their suitability for replacing plastic in various applications.

Puzzle 2 - PLASTIC ROOM

Watch this video:BIO-LUTIONS, biodegradable food packaging - SOLUTIONS

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Hint

Puzzle 2 - PLASTIC ROOM

2/5

00:25

Hint

Puzzle 2 - PLASTIC ROOM

3/5

00:25

Hint

Puzzle 2 - PLASTIC ROOM

4/5

00:25

Hint

Puzzle 2 - PLASTIC ROOM

5/5

00:25

Complete each puzzle to beat the game: there is no other way to escape!

Puzzles

Final Puzzle

Puzzle 5

Puzzle 4

Puzzle 3

Puzzle 2

Puzzle 1

Now you need to analyse the life cycles of three different materials: traditional plastic (PET), biodegradable plastic (PLA), and paper. Your task is to evaluate which option has the lowest environmental impact overall.

Puzzle 3 - Life Cycle Room

Watch this video:Synthetic Polymers aka PLASTICS

1/5

Hint

Puzzle 3 - Life Cycle Room

False ✓

True

1/3

Take a good look at this image:Plastic production's raw material extraction stage (such as petroleum extraction) contributes the most to its carbon footprint.

Hint

PLA=Polylactic Acid PET=polyethylene terephthalate

Test 3 - Life Cycle Room

True ✓

2/3

False

The energy consumption for manufacturing PLA (a bioplastic) is significantly lower than for traditional plastic (PET).

Puzzle 3 - Life Cycle Room

THAT'S RIGHT! While PLA is more eco-friendly in the long run, its production process is not always energy-efficient compared to PET, which benefits from established processes.

Hint

???

Test 3 - Life Cycle Room

True ✓

3/3

False

PLA (biodegradable plastic) is a better choice than PET plastic bottles when it comes to reducing plastic pollution in oceans.

Puzzle 3 - Life Cycle Room

THAT'S RIGHT! PLA can break down more easily in the environment compared to conventional plastics, which persist for hundreds of years.

Did You Know?

Puzzle 1 - PACKAGING ROOM

• Over 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans every year, which is roughly equivalent to dumping one garbage truck full of plastic into the ocean every minute.
• Bioplastics made from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 75% compared to conventional plastics.
• It takes up to 1,000 years for plastic to decompose in a landfill, while biodegradable plastics can break down in just a few months under the right conditions.
• By 2050, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean by weight if we continue to use plastic at the current rate.

Congratulations! You've successfully navigated the Plastic Sector

The choices we make about materials matter. Bioplastics and other alternatives offer promising solutions to reduce our reliance on petroleum-based plastics, but transitioning to these materials requires innovation, commitment, and global cooperation. By focusing on biodegradable options, sustainable sourcing, and circular design, you are helping pave the way for a future where plastic pollution is no longer a threat to our planet.

Puzzle 1 - PACKAGING ROOM

Complete each puzzle to beat the game: there is no other way to escape!

Puzzles

Final Puzzle

Puzzle 5

Puzzle 4

Puzzle 3

Puzzle 2

Puzzle 1

Hint

Puzzle 4 - Food and Nutrition Room

1/4

00:30

Hint

Puzzle 4 - Food and Nutrition Room

00:30

2/4

Hint

Puzzle 4 - Food and Nutrition Room

00:30

3/4

Hint

Puzzle 4 - Food and Nutrition Room

4/4

00:30

Did You Know?

Puzzle 4 - Food and Nutrition Room

• One-third of all food produced globally goes to waste, contributing to about 8% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions.
• Choosing seasonal and local produce reduces one's carbon footprint by minimising transportation emissions and supporting local farmers and economies.
• Meal planning can reduce food waste by up to 28%, helping you save money and protect the environment simultaneously.
• Cooking at home allows you to control portion sizes, reduce food waste, and make healthier choices—studies show that people who cook at home tend to eat fewer calories and consume more nutritious meals.
• Properly storing food can extend its shelf life and reduce waste—did you know that keeping your fridge at 4°C (40°F) can help prevent food spoilage?

Congratualtions!

Puzzle 4 - Food and Nutrition Room

Remember! Every small change in how we plan, shop, and cook can greatly impact global sustainability. Keep up the great work as you move forward to the next challenge—you're one step closer to ensuring a healthier, more sustainable world for everyone!

Complete each puzzle to beat the game: there is no other way to escape!

Puzzle

Final Puzzle

Puzzle 5

Puzzle 4

Puzzle 3

Puzzle 2

Puzzle 1

In the water conservation lab, you need to solve the mystery of water waste.

Puzzle 5 - Water Sector Room

Watch this video:Water Saving Tips

Hint

Puzzle 5 - Water Sector Room

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00:20

Hint

Puzzle 5 - Water Sector Room

00:20

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Hint

Puzzle 5 - Water Sector Room

3/3

3/3

3/3

00:20

3/3

Did You Know?

Puzzle 5 - Water Sector Room

• Only 1% of the world’s freshwater is accessible for direct human use; the rest is locked away in glaciers, ice caps, or deep underground.

• Water conservation can save significant amounts of energy; for example, reducing water heating usage cuts down on the energy needed for heating, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

• Every drop counts: A dripping faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year, highlighting the importance of fixing leaks promptly.

Congratualtions!

Puzzle 5 - Water Sector Room

Remember! Every small change in how we plan, shop, and cook can greatly impact global sustainability. Keep up the great work as you move forward to the next challenge—you're one step closer to ensuring a healthier, more sustainable world for everyone!

Complete each puzzle to beat the game: there is no other way to escape!

Puzzles

Final Puzzle

Puzzle 5

Puzzle 4

Puzzle 3

Puzzle 2

Puzzle 1

Puzzle 6 - Strategic Planning Room

Finally, you've reached the strategic planning room, where you must use your social entrepreneurship skills to save the company.

Hint

Puzzle 6 - Strategic Planning Room

00:30

1/3

Hint

A fast-food chain introducing a new burger.

A non-profit organisation providing clean energy solutions to rural areas.

A tech company launching a new smartphone.

Puzzle 6 - Strategic Planning Room

Which of the following is an example of social entrepreneurship in action?

2/3

Hint

Puzzle 6 - Strategic Planning Room

00:25

3/3

Start over?

You have completed the Circular Quest!Remember: The knowledge and green skills you’ve gained in this escape room are not just theoretical. They can be applied in real life to make meaningful changes in how we live and work. Let's transition to a Circular Economy together!

Congratulations

Oh oh!

But don't lose your balance, continue on your way and try again!

That answer is not correct...

back

Welcome, young social entrepreneurs! You have 30 minutes to solve all the puzzles and complete your mission. Navigate through different digital rooms by solving puzzles and finding clues. Embark on this journey that will help Eco-Innovators and equip you with invaluable knowledge about circular businesses, green skills to help you transition to a circular economy and essential social entrepreneurship skills. Click on the Arrow to begin your quest and enter the first room.

Compostable materials break down naturally.

Consider sectors that require water for growth and production.

Prioritise strategies that directly contribute to reducing food waste and utilising resources efficiently

Think about how different food groups contribute to your daily protein intake.

Recyclable materials can be processed and reused.

Non-recyclable materials do not easily decompose or reprocess.

Look for a business model that not only generates profit but also aims to solve social or environmental issues!

This method delivers water directly to the roots, minimising waste.

Think about how biodegradable materials break down naturally, making them less harmful to the environment compared to traditional plastics!

Think about materials that are biodegradable, recyclable, and help reduce environmental impact!

Innovation starts with understanding the root cause.

Focus on how bioplastics like PLA, derived from renewable resources, require less energy compared to petroleum-based plastics!

Sustainable materials often come from less abundant sources, which can make them more expensive.

Consider the early stages of the process, where fossil fuels are involved in creating the basic materials for plastic production!

Consider farming practices that prioritise soil health and biodiversity.

Resilience involves flexibility and persistence.

Think about practical solutions that you can implement as well!

Think about practical actions that can be taken at home.

Think beyond just the product’s use—consider what happens when it’s no longer needed.

Think about materials that are strong, renewable, and have a low environmental impact.

Consider materials that can decompose without harming the environment.