Circular Economy series, May 2026
Sustainability Community Finland supported by the Aalto Sustainability Action Booster organized a series of events on circular aconomy. These events have brought together inspiring speakers, engaging discussions, and over 80 participants interested in advancing circular economy solutions and collaboration. Our community gathered at Aalto University and Majvik Farm to explore what the circular economy truly means beyond recycling alone.
- Circular Economy Beyond Recycling - Keynote and Panel Discussion
- Visit to Majvik Biodynamic Farm and Lempimarket Sustainable Food Store
- Repair as Art: Learning Sashiko Technique & Clothing Swap
Event 1: Circular Economy Beyond Recycling - Keynote and Panel Discussion
During the keynote speaches we examined how circularity supports broader sustainability transitions (Dr. Kristina Leppälä) and why recycling is only one part of the loop. Dr. Olga Dziubaniuk illustrated different circular strategies through examples from the fashion industry, emphasising the impact of reducing clothing consumption and prioritising reuse and repair over relying solely on recycling.
During the panel discussion, our panelists, Marie-Elodie Bourot, Bahez Karim, Gülşah Taş, and Kristina Leppälä, highlighted how circularity is already emerging in new business models such as food packaging systems, bio‑based entrepreneurship, and repair-focused services. While they highlighted the role of the public sector in fostering systemic change toward the circular economy, they also emphasised the often under-estimated power consumers hold in choosing more circular solutions. In addition, they highlighted the importance of communities and maintaining hope to drive meaningful circular and sustainable change.
Event 2: Visit to Majvik Biodynamic Farm and Lempimarket Sustainable Food Store
On the 19th of May Sustainability Community Finland visited Majvik Farm and Lempimarket to explore what circular economy can look like in our food systems.
At Majvik Farm in Sipoo, we learned about biodynamic agriculture, a regenerative and holistic approach to farming that aims to actively improve soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem balance. Majvik is a 60-hectare Demeter-certified biodynamic farm producing organic vegetables, grains and potatoes while working in harmony with nature. We discussed composting, soil fertility, slow nutrient release and the importance of microbial life in healthy soil. We also met the farm’s beautiful Finnish cows, whose manure plays an essential role in naturally fertilizing the land. A special thank you to Atte Hermansson, whose passion and dedication to regenerative farming were truly inspiring.
We also heard from Lempimarket, a zero-waste and sustainable online grocery store working to make sustainable food more accessible. Their mission is to build an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable food system together with suppliers, partners and customers.
One statistic especially stayed with us: in Finland around 160 kg of packaging waste is produced per person every year. Lempimarket tackles this challenge by using reusable packaging systems, including returnable glass containers.
What made this visit especially meaningful was seeing the circular economy in practice, not as a theory, but as concrete everyday decisions connected to soil, food, packaging, logistics, and community.
Repair as Art: Learning Sashiko Technique & Clothing Swap
For the final event of our Circular Economy Month, we gathered around needles, thread, and a pile of clothes that deserved a second chance.
In collaboration with Knitspot and Irina Arnold , we explored Sashiko, a traditional Japanese stitching technique that transforms repair into something intentional and beautiful. Participants didn't just fix a tear; they slowed down, learned a new skill, and left with something they made with their own hands.Alongside the mending, we hosted a clothing swap. Because sometimes the most circular thing you can do is simply pass something on.
May was a meaningful month and this last workshop felt like the perfect way to close it.
Many thanks to Sustainability Action Booster for making this possible and funding these events! A special thank you to our organising team Yasmine Bounouara Parizet , Arsalan Shafaat , Bleona Silaj , Roosa Jääskeläinen, Nadezhda Naseka and Katja von Brandenburg for all the work behind the scenes to make this event happen. And an extra thank you to Arsalan Shafaat and Yasmine Bounouara Parizet for shaping the programme. We also want to thank Bradlie Martz-Sigala for hosting the first event and guiding the discussions throughout the evening. What happens when sustainability practitioners, researchers, and community changemakers come together?
Videos and photos by Bleona Silaj
