The circular economy made simple: An economist, thrifter, repairer, renter and upcycler walk into a Zoom…

In this one hour session hosted by Australia’s favourite waste warrior CRAIG REUCASSEL (ABC’s War on Waste) and guest starring economist and author of Curing Affluenza RICHARD DENNISS, you’ll learn how a massive cultural shift is taking place right before our eyes - one where reusing and repairing stuff is becoming the new norm and is helping us save money and the planet.

Panellists will discuss the creative and simple ways they are reducing their environmental footprint by being a part of this growing movement. Featuring NINA GBOR (the thrifter),  REBECCA RICKARD (the upcycler),  EMILY KATE SYMES (the renter) and RENEE WILLIAMS (the repairer), you’ll learn simple, achievable and rewarding ways to incorporate circular economy principles into your everyday life.

This project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy initiative, funded from the waste levy.

HOSTED BY:

Craig Reucassel

Craig Reucassel is a writer, comedian and documentary maker. Amongst other things he’s known as the host of ABC TV’s award-winning War on Waste documentary, The Fight for Planet A and Big Weather.

Follow Craig @creucassel

EXPERTS:

Richard Denniss

As Executive Director of The Australia Institute, Dr Richard Denniss is a prominent Australian economist, popular public policy commentator and the author of several books including: Curing Affluenza, Econobabble and Big: The Role of the State in the Modern Economy.

Follow Richard @theausinstitute

Nina Gbor

The founder of Eco Styles, Nina Gbor is an award-winning sustainability advocate, ethical fashion speaker, climate activist, writer and educator. She coined the phrase ‘get off the fashion trendmill’ which means individuality and self-knowledge should be the premise for consuming clothing, not fashion trends. Nina has a Master’s degree in International Development and is a former sustainable fashion tutor at RMIT University in Melbourne.

Follow Nina @eco.styles

Rebecca Rickard

Rebecca is the founder of Deadly Denim; a recycled denim clothing label with sustainability, collaboration and community engagement at the heart of what they do. Deadly Denim’s small run of one-off pieces are made from recycled denim and customised with First Nations designs. The label has been showcased nationally and internationally, including at New York Fashion Week in 2021.

Follow Rebecca @deadly_denim_

Emily Kate Symes                                                                                                              

Emily is a mentor, eco-ambassador/model/jewellery designer turned entrepreneur, sustainability expert and host of The Conscious Eko IGTV series and podcast. On a mission to encourage a circular economy, Emily founded EKOLUV, Australia's first zero waste dress hire and consignment boutique that aims to shift perceptions that luxury has to mean 'new'. 

Follow Emily @emilykatesymes

Renee Williams                                                                                   

Renee created her business, Repair Redefined, in 2019 to share her love of clothing repair. She is a clothing repair advocate and mending enthusiast, who is on a mission to help us keep our clothes looking fabulous. Renee teaches clothing repair skills both in person and online in and around Melbourne, Australia and advocates for greater understanding of the impact of fast fashion on our environment.

Follow Renee @repairredefined