On this course, you will learn what is meant by the circular economy and why it is needed. In addition you will acquire a deeper appreciation of the importance and opportunities of the circular economy through four different subject areas (a sustainable food system, forestry related cycles, technical cycles and mobility and the sharing economy) and at the same time gain a comprehensive picture of the practical applications of the circular economy. As multidisciplinarity, shared expertise and systems thinking are strongly linked to the circular economy, the course is constructed taking these perspectives into account.

The objective of the course is to

  • develop an overall image of the circular economy and understand its basic principles
  • understand the problems of today’s consumption of resources and how the circular economy can help in resolving these problems
  • become familiar with approaches that could promote the circular economy
  • create a vision of practical activities that could be undertaken by different sectors to promote the circular economy

Kotiorganisaatio/hanke: Helsingin yliopisto