Founded in Slovenia in 2016, Circular Change has emerged as a key player in the transition towards a circular economy. This stakeholder engagement platform has positioned itself as a vital resource for individuals and organizations alike, providing an array of solutions, projects, reports, events, and expert insights required for a successful circular transformation. The organization’s mission is driven by its Founder and Executive Director, Ladeja Godina Košir, a distinguished expert in the circular economy. Her extensive involvement in over 50 international events each year showcases her commitment to connecting stakeholders with leaders in sustainability globally.
Circular Change is not just about introducing concepts or sharing knowledge; it focuses on participation. The organization understands that real transformation occurs through its collaborative efforts, bringing together diverse stakeholders from various fields. Their motto, “we are the best entry point for your circular economy journey,” reflects this objective. By acting as a connector in the circular economy, Circular Change has successfully engaged countless participants across numerous projects, ensuring that the concept of circularity is communicated effectively.
One of the notable projects undertaken by Circular Change is the PSLifestyle initiative. This Horizon 2020 project, funded by the European Union, is dedicated to promoting sustainable living through the use of an innovative carbon footprint calculator. Developed initially in Finland, this tool gained significant traction with 1.4 million Finnish citizens participating in the Lifestyle Test, which assesses an individual’s carbon footprint based on everyday choices. With the support of 16 project partners across eight European countries, the calculator was adapted to resonate with different cultural and regional contexts.
Meta Pezdir, Circular Change’s Project Manager for the PSLifestyle initiative, emphasizes that the project is intended to inspire individuals positively. Instead of instilling fear or guilt about one’s lifestyle choices, the goal is to highlight that everyone can contribute to sustainability through manageable changes. Participants respond to around 30 questions categorized into lifestyle, transport, food, and other consumption. From this assessment, they receive personalized results along with viable actions that can lead to a reduced carbon footprint.
For example, if a participant learns that opting to fly less can reduce their carbon footprint by 40%, the calculator also suggests alternative actions to achieve similar reductions if flying is unavoidable. This user-centric approach helps demystify the process of adopting a more sustainable lifestyle, making it an engaging experience rather than a burdensome task.
The development of the PSLifestyle tool showcases Circular Change’s commitment to thorough research and community involvement. Living Labs were initiated in each of the eight participating countries to gather feedback from citizens. These workshops helped ensure that the questions were relevant and comprehensible, ultimately leading to a product that resonates with users. By focusing on community participation, Circular Change builds trust and encourages users to engage with the tool enthusiastically.
However, the journey towards implementing circular economy roadmaps does not come without challenges. According to Ladeja Godina Košir, effective collaboration with governments is crucial, as they play a key role in the process. The difficulty lies in aligning the diverse priorities of new political administrations, which often tend to overlook ongoing projects for new initiatives. Change in political leadership can lead to a lack of continuity, hampering the progress necessary for impactful circular transformation.
Moreover, the interconnectedness of various sectors poses its own set of challenges. For instance, businesses dealing with waste management may not have direct insights into agricultural practices, which in turn affects transportation and consumption. The solution, as identified by Circular Change, lies in appointing transition brokers—individuals capable of orchestrating collaboration across different sectors. This strategic approach helps bridge the knowledge gaps and facilitates a comprehensive understanding of the circular economy.
A vital aspect of Circular Change’s mission is shifting the narrative around sustainability. In a world burdened by climate change and geopolitical tensions, many individuals experience anxiety, feeling that their efforts may be futile. Circular Change counters this fear by encouraging a positive mindset. They advocate for a balanced and inclusive approach, underscoring that even small, positive lifestyle adjustments can lead to substantial changes without the need for major sacrifices.
The PSLifestyle project, with a formal end date in September 2025, seeks to continue its operations beyond that time frame. Circular Change is dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of the tool by promoting community involvement and cooperation with a network of partners throughout Europe. By sharing the tool for free and facilitating accessibility in various languages, they are committed to making information available to all who seek to participate in the movement toward sustainable living.
Building on the momentum they have established, Circular Change is also engaged in several global initiatives aimed at enhancing circular economy practices. Their involvement in Chatham House’s global initiative for circular economy roadmaps illustrates their commitment to international collaboration and innovative solutions. In her role as Co-chair of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform, Ladeja Godina Košir champions initiatives that foster internationalization and cooperation beyond Europe.
In conclusion, Circular Change stands as a testament to the power of community engagement and thoughtful innovation in addressing the challenges posed by our current economic model. Through initiatives like PSLifestyle and their broader commitment to education, Circular Change inspires individuals and organizations alike to reimagine their relationship with sustainability. As the world looks for actionable solutions to environmental crises, organizations like Circular Change provide a roadmap that leads towards a sustainable future.
