As the cost of living continues to rise, the shift towards a Circular Economy (CE) is becoming more urgent for the sustainability of our communities, just as much as it is for the sustainability of our planet. This session is ideal for anyone curious about the Circular Economy but unsure about its fundamentals and its potential impact in carving out a positive future.

Join us as we introduce the Circular Economy, discussing its necessity and exploring its effects on global material flows and local implementations, particularly in Moonee Valley. This engaging session will delve into how we can foster a community-driven shift towards more renting, sharing, repairing, and overall reduced consumption. We'll examine the diverse roles that companies, councils, and community members play in this transformative approach and debate the potential for volunteer-led initiatives.

Throughout the presentation, we will highlight local initiatives that are already embedding CE principles into their operations, showcasing how individuals are participating in these practices, often without realizing it. Three speakers will discuss their projects and businesses -

Corey Fergusson is an MVS member and a PhD student interested in the connections between waste, urban policy, and community organizing. To start the day, Corey will set up what a 'Circular Economy' is, its potential and challenges to rethinking how we deal with 'waste', and the possibilities already taking shape in Melbourne and Moonee Valley for us as a community to partner with, act upon, and refuse harmful practices of single-use and disposal

Adele Roeder has recently completed the Wattle Fellowship at Melbourne University in which she piloted ‘Donate, Don't Waste' Thrift Market and Circular Economy Fair at the University to reduce the amount of materials going to landfill at the end of the academic year.

Rohan from Grainia Bulk Food Store will share their experiences in running a local bulk food business where they enable the local community to keep refilling on pantry and cleaning items.

Whether you're a local resident, business owner, community leader, or simply interested in sustainable practices, this session will provide valuable insights into how we can collaboratively reshape our economic and environmental landscape.

This talk is on as part of Sustain-A-Valley, a monthly event in which the community come together to rethink waste.