Circular Economy in Education: Evidence from UK Second-Hand School Uniform Market

This study examines the behavioral and institutional factors, as well as cultural influences, impacting the adoption of second-hand school uniforms in the UK from a circular economy perspective. Using survey data from 207 respondents, including parents, students, school staff, and related stakeholders, I identify cost savings and environmental awareness as primary drivers, while concerns about fit, hygiene, and social stigma limit uptake. The butterfly diagram module on second-hand school uniforms highlights that community- and donation-based reuse systems can improve access and reduce stigma. The theoretical microeconomic model formalizing household purchasing decisions based on price, stigma, and environmental benefits, showing that both subsidies and stigma reduction policies increase adoption, with combined interventions yielding the most potent effects. The findings link 3R principles (reduce, reuse, recycle) to school-level practices, offering practical recommendations for policymakers and educators seeking to promote sustainable consumption and circular economy initiatives in the education sector.