RSA Newcastle Network Encounter: The Circular Economy

The RSA Newcastle Encounter meets on the third Wednesday of every month. In February, we will be discussing the circular economy and re-thinking how we design, make, and use everything!

Business leaders and governments are puzzling over how to meet the needs of three billion new consumers by 2030, against a backdrop of degraded land, climate disruption, and over-exploited finite resources - a fantastic opportunity with complex challenges. Organisations in every sector are rethinking their strategies to be future-fit and resilient; business as usual is not sustainable.

The circular economy is gaining momentum, solving the issues created by our ‘traditional’ linear economy (take, make, use, dispose... with waste and pollution at every stage). Circular approaches aim to keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each 'use' cycle.

This event is an opportunity to find out how circular approaches could benefit your business and community, looking at examples along the supply chain for a range of industries including food, fashion, consumer products, and construction.

Our speaker Catherine Weetman MSc FCILT FRSA is Director of Re-think Solutions. Catherine helps businesses develop ‘future-proofed’, resilient strategies, assessing sustainability risks and value opportunities. Her book, A Circular Economy Handbook for Business and Supply Chains, published by Kogan Page, includes a wealth of wide-ranging examples and tips on getting started.

The presentation will include:

• A leaky hosepipe - our current industrial system
• Future fit - a simple scorecard
• The circular economy - a quick primer and a range of examples from food, fashion, technology and industry
• Practical tips on how to get started 

Join us to also connect with local Fellows, discuss ideas, and find out more about the RSA and Fellow-led projects. No prior knowledge is needed, everyone is welcome, and these events are free to attend. Please follow the Book Now link to register.

You are welcome to stay on for a meal afterwards at a local venue.

If you have any access requirements or require any reasonable adjustments, or have any dietry requirements, please let the team know: [email protected]. 

Location: Ampersand Inventions, Fourth Floor, Commercial Union House, 39 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6QE.