The Environmental Committee’s spring campaign is all about the circular economy. During the campaign week we will, e.g., share information about different aspects of the circular economy and organize a recycling/trash art challenge. The week will end in a webinar on the 29th of April, where experts from Sitra and the Ministry of the Environment will talk more about Finland’s circular economy strategy and what circular economy means for future work life. Hot topics for students of all fields!
Circular economy is an economic system, in which raw and other materials stay in circulation, consumers move from owning to using services, sharing, renting and recycling – this way we can save valuable resources, control environmental change and manage waste problems. The traditional linear economy model is based on using raw materials, most of which end up being disposed off after consumption. In contrast, in a circular economy products are made in a way that they can be reused, remade and recycled.
There are many examples of innovative circular economy solutions both in Finland and around the world. For example, the Finnish clothing brand Pure Waste manufactures clothes made from 100% recycled textiles. Swappie, on the other hand, repairs and resells used smartphones to customers with a warranty. ResQ Club is a mobile app that lets you buy food from cafes and restaurants that would otherwise be wasted – thus reducing food waste. North American Li Cycle has developed technology for recycling lithium-ion batteries. Recycling lithium-ion batteries has traditionally been impractical, leading to their disposal as hazardous waste and loss of valuable materials. Li-Cycle technology hence has a significant positive impact, for example. in reducing the harmful effects of electric cars. As you can see, there are plenty of inspiring examples and at the end of this post you will find links to Sitra’s pages, through which you can learn more about various circular economy solutions.
Coming up on the Environmental Committee’s Circular Economy Week:
Plenty of facts on circular economy
Recycling/trash art challenge culminating in an event held on Zoom.
Blog post about the production and recycling of battery metals.
Instagram takeover: Telaketju 23.4.
“Telaketju is a cooperation network that forwards textile recycling. The project includes developing the collection, sorting out and refining processes of end-of-life textiles. Moreover, it enables the development of business models related to discussed circular economy. In Telaketju, a national ecosystem of knowledge is being advanced, building a platform for the creation of new and strong industry with multidisciplinary collaboration.”
Instagram takeover: HELSUS (Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science) 26.4.
Postdoctoral researcher Angelina Korsunova-Tsaruk will take over the committee’s Instagram account to talk about her research project “The Circular Citizens”. The project studies citizen-led circular economy practices and social movements taking action for the circular economy in Finland and Russia.
Webinar – Towards Circular Economy: Finland’s Strategy and Future Work Life
The webinar begins with a look into Finland’s circular economy strategy presented by an expert from The Ministry of the Environment and will continue with an introduction into what circular economy means for future work life presented by an expert from Sitra. Participants are free to ask questions at the webinar.
Lastly, here are a few useful links for more information about the circular economy.
Sitra: Introducing 39 circular economy solutions to inspire the world
Sitra: Most interesting companies in the circular economy in Finland 2.1
SYKE: Circular economy infographics
Kate Raworth – A healthy economy should be designed to thrive, not grow
The Environmental Committee also recommends the MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) course Circular.now, which is free and open to all. The course has no prerequisites and is suited for students of any field. It can also be used for other training purposes, such as within organizations and companies. More information about the course here.
Most of our posts during the campaign week will be in the Committees’ Instagram and Facebook, follow us now!
