CIRCULAR ECONOMY: A STEP TOWARDS THE FUTURE

Recently, the circular economy has become a hot topic in a world facing serious problems such as environmental pollution, climate change, and resource depletion. Instead of generating waste, this model allows resources to circulate more continuously within the economy, reducing the negative impact on the environment. The circular economy plays a crucial role in protecting the environment. This model helps to minimise environmental pollution and preserve natural resources by reducing waste and promoting recycling. Furthermore, reducing plastic waste and increasing the use of recycled materials not only protects ecosystems, but also improves the quality of life for future generations. Sustainable development is a key objective in the global commitment to achieving a stable and lasting economy and environment. By maximising the use of resources, the circular economy model helps to reduce pressure on the natural environment by promoting pollution control and ecosystem protection. Today, more and more companies and associations are applying this economic model, including the Dedalus cooperative, where I had the opportunity to learn more about this world and do an internship for a few months. It is a social, participatory, and democratic enterprise that has been designing and offering services since 1981 to improve the well-being of communities and promote fair development, focusing on those in difficult situations and combining the protection of rights with urban and social regeneration processes. Dedalus employs around 90 professionals on a permanent basis and every year creates opportunities in life, education and work for thousands of vulnerable individuals. In the design and implementation of its activities, Dedalus takes a cross-cutting approach to gender policies, working “with” and not “for” people and interculturalism as a tool to ensure equal opportunities for access to citizenship for those with a history of migration. (dedalus.it)

Among the other activities carried out by the company is Ciak si cuce, a tailoring business that originated within the Dedalus social cooperative. It focuses on the empowerment of women and young people, the circular economy, and concrete actions to generate positive changes in the environment and society. Since 2022, it has involved around 60 women and young people from difficult backgrounds who are looking for new stimuli and independence. Through sewing training courses, it offers the opportunity to acquire new skills and the chance to enter the world of work, building a better future for themselves and their families. The tailor’s shop accepts donations of fabrics, leather and other recyclable materials, giving them a new lease of life. In particular, it receives cinema banners from the Cinema Modernissimo in Naples and leather and fabric remnants from local artisans. Through a creative craft process, the materials are transformed into original and unique tailor-made items (bags, pencil cases, clutches, key rings and accessories, etc.). Each item tells a story of inclusion, sustainability, cooperation and solidarity. (https://www.coopdedalus.it/ciak-si-cuce-atelier/) Bag: made from movie posters, rectangular in shape, large and spacious, easy to clean, fabric handle, equipped with inner lining and inner pocket with zip closure. Ideal for everyday use, perfect for carrying your laptop, books…

Finally, the circular economy and recycling are sustainable development models that offer an alternative to the linear economy (extraction-production-disposal). It focuses on optimising resources, extending product life and minimising waste through reuse, repair and recycling. In a context where resources are increasingly scarce and climate change issues are becoming more serious, the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy is becoming urgent. Thanks to this rich experience, I can now contribute to developing new ideas for the Thouret Foundation to expand the many creative fabric recycling activities and more that are already being considered.

Sr Quynh Meo