IDEAS FOR GOOD will hold event “Europe tour report: What’s beyond circular economy? – from London, Paris, Amsterdam to Scandinavia”

IDEAS FOR GOOD, a web media that collects ideas for making society “better,” will hold an event “Europe tour report: What’s beyond circular economy? – from London, Paris, Amsterdam to Scandinavia” that introduces the editorial team’s points of discussion regarding the future circular economy on October 17.

The new coronavirus and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have changed the global situation more drastically than we could have imagined. Facing complex issues such as climate change, widening inequality, and the crisis of democracy, the limitations of capitalism, which has destroyed the environment and created inequality and division for the sake of economic growth, have come into sharp relief.

“Can we grow the economy while reducing our environmental footprint?” “Do we need to grow in the first place?” We are now facing a phase in which we must rethink these questions. In Europe, new economic concepts and approaches are being implemented to replace the current growth-oriented approach in order to address the limitations of capitalism and resource constraints. “Donut economics” and “de-growth” to achieve social justice for all within the limits of the earth’s limited resources. How are these approaches being accepted in Europe and the world today?

In June 2023, the IDEAS FOR GOOD editorial team planned an 8-day tour to London, Paris, and Amsterdam, which are called the leading cities of the circular economy. The name of the tour is “Beyond Circularity 2023.” During the tour, we visited practitioners of the circular economy, from governments to companies to research institutes, and had frank discussions about their projects, future prospects, and what they think an ideal society should look like in practice.

Photo by Masato Sezawa

This time, at “3×3 Lab Future” in Otemachi, Tokyo, we will introduce what we learned on the tour and the editorial team’s discussion points on the future of the circular economy all in one place. We will also bring you some of the highlights topics from the World Circular Economy Forum, which was held in Finland at the same time as the Beyond Circularity 2023 tour. More than 8,200 people from 155 countries registered for this year’s World Circular Economy Forum. It is an opportunity to consider trends not only in the countries visited on the tour, but also in Europe as a whole and in the world as a whole.

The World Circular Economy Forum in Finland. Photo by Yu Kato

“What is the debate in Europe about the circular economy?” “Where is the world headed now?” We hope that this event will be attended by everyone who is curious about the world’s sustainable initiatives.

Topics of the day

• Circular economy in Europe today
• Topics of interest at the “World Circular Economy Forum” held in Finland
• Examples of circular economy in London, Paris, and Amsterdam
• Lessons learned from Europe and implications for Japan

Featured terms

• Circular Economy
• Nature Positive
• Degrowth/Green Growth
• Decolonization
• Fair Transition
• Climate Justice
• Well-being
• Transition Design

[Global Circular Economy Forum] How can we work with young people to make the transition to a circular economy toward the realization of nature positive?

• “De-growth, fairness and inclusion” for a truly circular and fair future
• Real solutions that lead to the well-being of people and the planet
• What are the discussions among young people and people in the Global South that are taking place locally?

[Case study in London, U.K.] The key to involving people lies in “design.” Business tips to accelerate circulation

• Notpla: How to set up a recycling business by learning from the pioneer of climate tech in the U.K., who created edible packaging
• ReLondon: How to engage stakeholders and government agencies that promote the circular economy throughout the City of London
• Wholegrain Digital: Digital sustainability in the future. How to create web pages with low environmental impact

[Case study in Paris, France] France, the country where “de-growth” began. Learning “moderate affluence” from citizens

• NATURE URBAINE: Citizen-led movement in Europe’s largest urban farm
• Sinny&Ooko: A social solidarity company creating a third place to promote social inclusion in Paris
• Institut Momentum: The ideology behind “de-growth,” according to the Institute for Post-Growth Society

[Case study in Amsterdam, the Netherlands] Economic rationality is the key to promoting a circular economy. Questioning the “system” that supports advanced cities

• Plastic Whale: Picking up trash in the destination? How to incorporate environmental issues into tourism
• Hotel Jakarta: Going behind the scenes of a hotel that creates a comfortable space for local residents
• Madaster: To expand the “Material Passport,” which gives building materials an identity and creates a system of circulation

*The above examples may be subject to change on the day of the event.

Event Time / Date: 7:00 pm- / October 17

[Reference] “Europe tour report: What’s beyond circular economy? – from London, Paris, Amsterdam to Scandinavia” will be held on 10/17 | IDEAS FOR GOOD (in Japanese)
[Related Site] IDEAS FOR GOOD (in Japanese)