Developing a Circular Economy

As with wider society, here in Cumbria we all buy, consume and discard goods in a largely linear way. So for example food, clothes, electricals or furniture use finite resources which are extracted, produced, supplied, consumed, and then often simply disposed of as waste. However all this activity hugely increases our carbon footprint. 

Major challenges include disposable products designed and used only briefly, food which is never eaten, products which can’t be repaired, materials which can’t be recycled, and excess packaging. 

To make better use of resources and rapidly cut emissions, we’ll need to move towards a far more circular approach, keeping materials in use for as long as possible.

There are many positive benefits of transitioning to a circular economy. As well as cutting harmful waste and emissions, it can save us money, conserve natural resources, protect the environment, increase food security, and help improve public health. It can also help us adapt to the growing impacts of climate change, by increasing our local resilience and resource efficiency. 

During this event we’ll hear from contributors including:

Peter Lefort runs the Green Futures Network at the University of Exeter, within the Innovation, Impact and Business team. The Green Futures Network seeks to develop collective approaches to the climate and ecological emergencies and the changes they're bringing.

The Quiet Site has spent the last two decades making both business and investment choices based on a commitment to be fully sustainable, recognising that the world will have to move to a circular economy if it is to survive. These decisions consider the embedded and operational environmental footprints of the business, plus its place in the local community.

Circular Vermiculture Economy is a new project in Cumbria to demonstrate how worm farming (vermiculture) can support a reduced waste field-to-fork loop for the benefit of all engaged in the food journey. 

This event supports the work of the Zero Carbon Cumbria Partnership.

Our next event is on Boosting Repair & Reuse (28th November).

MORE INFORMATION

Cost - This event is free to attend.

Venue - This event will be held via Zoom. Once you register, you'll receive a link to join the event. 

Recording - We may record the event to share online afterwards. By taking part in this event, you accept that your name/image/voice may appear in the recording. You can opt not to activate your webcam and microphone, and you can change how your name is displayed in the list of participants. Attendees' video feeds won't necessarily be on screen at any point during the webinar.

Help with joining this event

Are you not sure how to use Zoom but would like to attend our event? If you don't have a friend or family member who can help you get set up, we'd be happy to help you in advance. Please contact us as soon as possible. You can phone us on 01768 210276 during normal office hours or email [email protected].

Unfortunately, we aren't able to offer technical support at the time of the event.

Keep an eye on our website for more events throughout the year!

Donations

If you can afford to support us through a donation, this would be hugely appreciated. As a charity, our scope and reach is dependent on the generosity of those who believe in our cause. We thank you for your support.