Everyday circularity in Espoo

Everyday circularity means using natural resources wisely and considering the environment when making everyday choices. Read our five tips for making circularity part of your everyday life.

One of the easiest ways to participate in the circular economy is to sort and recycle. By sorting, you can reduce waste and return materials back into circulation, so remember to sort plastic, glass, metal, paper and biowaste into their own bins. In addition to the waste collection point on your property, there are local waste collection points(external link, opens in a new window) in Espoo. Worn-out textiles can be taken to textile collection points(external link, opens in a new window) which are available at the Ainoa, Iso Omena and Sello shopping centres.

One of the basic ideas of the circular economy is to keep items in use for as long as possible. Instead of buying something new, you can maintain and repair existing items. You can, for example, mend torn clothes, restore furniture and repair household appliances instead of buying new ones. This not only saves money but also reduces waste and the need for raw materials in the production of new products. You can find a wide range of shoe repair shops, sewing shops, appliance repair services and other similar services in Espoo. You can search for them, for example, on the capital region service map(external link, opens in a new window). You can also find tools for the maintenance and repair of items at Espoo’s libraries – did you know that many libraries have sewing machines, tools, bicycle maintenance kits, and a selection of other equipment that you can use to extend the lifespan of items? You can also learn new skills by attending courses at the Espoo Adult Education Centre.

You can promote the circular economy by purchasing items, such as clothing, furniture and electronics, that have been used or made of recycled materials. Flea markets, reuse centres and online shops offer a wide range of second-hand items. You can also find second-hand items through social media marketplaces.

In addition, in October 2023, the first cluster of circular economy services opened at the Iso Omena shopping centre. The services include the outlets of Fida, the Reuse Centre, UFF and iCare selling second-hand clothes and everyday items and a sewing shop where customers can get their clothes mended and given a new life. 

Libraries, rental services and housing company or neighbourhood communities provide opportunities for sharing and renting items, which saves money and the environment. When several users share items, natural resources are saved. If you only rarely need an item, it may be easier and cheaper to borrow or rent it than to own it. Library card owners can borrow over 300 everyday items from libraries in the capital region. You can also rent hobby equipment, tools, a car, or camping equipment through various rental platforms. Or maybe you could set up a neighbourhood group where items can be borrowed and shared.

The way you choose to travel from one place to another can also have an impact on the circular economy. One way to reduce one’s carbon footprint is to use bicycles or public transport for daily travel. Espoo offers excellent opportunities for using city bikes, electric scooters and carsharing services. Carpooling is also an effective way to reduce the costs and emissions of daily travel.

The Service Map of the Helsinki metropolitan area has an item called Circular Economy, where you can find things such as rental and second hand stores in your area. The aim of the map’s function is to make it easier to find services and to promote the circular economy in the everyday lives of the residents.The circular economy services shown on the Service Map include flea markets, stores for products made from recycled materials, library lending services for equipment, waste food selling points, rental and repair services, shared spaces and shared vehicles. 

The transition to a circular economy reduces the need to use new natural resources. This is strongly connected to reducing emissions and supporting biodiversity. The transition to a circular economy takes place at all levels of society – such as decision-making, business operations and citizens’ choices. Everyone can implement circularity in their everyday lives, for example by reducing waste, making carefully considered purchases, sharing items, and choosing sustainable forms of travel. These choices can have a major impact on the environment and society. Start small and make circularity part of your daily life!

Read more about how the city promotes the circular economy on the Carbon-neutral circular economy webpage.