Events
Stay up to date with events on circular living! See where CARE contributes – whether as participants or organisers – and join us in shaping a circular future.
Stay up to date with events on circular living! See where CARE contributes – whether as participants or organisers – and join us in shaping a circular future.
The UMWELTFESTIVAL is one of the largest environmental events in Germany and has become a permanent fixture in Berlin’s event landscape. Organised by GRÜNE LIGA Berlin, the festival brings together a wide range of actors committed to environmental, nature and climate protection, offering a platform for exchange, inspiration and public engagement.
Held at the iconic Brandenburg Gate and along Straße des 17. Juni, the UMWELTFESTIVAL features an extensive programme with exhibitions, interactive activities and presentations. Associations, initiatives, companies, public authorities and civil society organisations present their projects, ideas and solutions for a more sustainable future, inviting visitors to engage with environmental topics in an accessible and hands-on way.
The CARE project will be represented by Verbraucher Initiative e.V., who will engage with visitors and share insights into circular household practices and sustainable consumption.
Hosted by: GRÜNE LIGA Berlin
Place: Brandenburg Gate and Straße des 17. Juni, Berlin, Germany
Date: 09.06.2026, 11:00 – 18:00 CET
Cost-free event
The New Bottom Line: Policy Levers to Scale Resale and Repair in Fashion is an online webinar and panel discussion exploring how policy can help turn resale and repair into viable drivers of economic growth while using fewer resources, reducing emissions and creating more local jobs.
The webinar focuses on the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s new report The New Bottom Line: Policy Levers to Scale Resale and Repair for Fashion. The report examines how existing policy tools — including reduced VAT on resale and repair services, reduced labour taxation for jobs in resale and repair operations, and ambitious Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for textiles — could improve business conditions and help scale circular business models in the fashion sector.
The event will bring together perspectives from research, policy and practice. Frida Hermansson from IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute will contribute with insights on what research says about the environmental impacts of resale and repair. CARE will be represented through this contribution, linking to the project’s work on circular clothing practices and household-level consumption.
Hosted by: Sustainable Fashion Academy, Scandinavian Initiative for Climate Action (STICA) and Scandinavian Initiative for Nature Action (STICA+)
Place: Online
Date: 15.06.2026, 13:30-15:00 CEST
Cost-free event
“Public Engagement for Circular Behavioural Change: From Awareness to Adoption” is a CCRI Knowledge Hub webinar exploring how cities and regions can move beyond awareness-raising and support the adoption of circular practices in everyday life.
The transition to a circular economy requires not only technological and policy innovation, but also behavioural change across communities, institutions and local economies. The webinar will introduce practical frameworks, participatory methods and real-world examples that show how public engagement can support circular economy implementation at territorial level.
The session will open with insights from the CARE project. Nina Mesiranta from Tampere University will present the CARE framework on behaviour change towards circularity, focusing on how practice-based approaches can help address everyday routines, motivations and systemic conditions shaping behaviour. The webinar will also include examples from other circular economy projects and an interactive group exercise where participants will design behavioural engagement strategies for selected circular challenges.
Hosted by: CCRI Knowledge Hub, in collaboration with the CARE project and ALDA
Place: Online
Date: 25.06.2026, 10:00-13:00 CEST
Cost-free event
The RSA Annual Conference is held annually and brings together researchers, policymakers, practitioners and stakeholders interested in regional studies, regional development and place-based transitions. With over 700 presentations, plenary sessions, workshops and networking events, the conference provides a key platform for exploring regional responses to global challenges.
The theme for 2026, ‘Regions as Arenas in a Changing World’, invites discussion on how spatial theories, local governance and interdisciplinary approaches can help to navigate pressing transformations, from climate change and artificial intelligence to economic shifts and social inequalities.
CARE will be represented in Special Session SS46: ‘Fashion Economies in Transition: Urban and place-based dynamics”. This session will explore how the fashion and textile industries are evolving in different urban contexts. It is co-organised by researchers from the IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and Lund University, who are both CARE partners.
Hosted by: School of Business, Economics and Law, University of Gothenburg, in partnership with the Regional Studies Association
Place: Gothenburg, Sweden
Date: 15.06.–18.06.2026
Abstract deadline for Special Session SS46: 12 February 2026
Paid event
The European Sociological Association (ESA) 17th Conference brings together researchers, academics and practitioners from across Europe and beyond to discuss current developments in sociology and their relevance for society under the title “Strengthening Democracies: Social Action, Solidarity, and Sustainable Futures”. With a broad programme of sessions, presentations and networking opportunities, the conference provides a key platform for exchanging perspectives on social change, inequalities and everyday practices.
CARE will be represented by partners from Tampere University. Further details on the contribution will be shared as they become available.
Hosted by: European Sociological Association
Place: Warsaw, Poland
Date: 25.08.–28.08.2026
Paid event
The SETAC Europe LCA Symposium brings together experts from academia, industry, government agencies, research institutes, consultancies and NGOs to discuss methodological innovations and practical applications in life cycle assessment (LCA).
The 27th edition of the symposium is held under the theme ‘Designing Tomorrow: Advancing Life Cycle Approaches for European Sustainability Initiatives’ and provides a platform for exchange on the role of LCA in supporting sustainable decision-making.
The CARE project will be represented at the conference by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and BOKU University. Silvia Schütz and Gudrun Obersteiner from BOKU University have submitted a session entitled ‘Quantifying What We Avoid: LCA for Evaluating Waste Prevention and Reuse’. In addition, both partners have submitted abstracts, f.e. focusing on the quantification of climate impacts of household clothing consumption in Europe. Further details on the contribution will be shared as they become available.
Hosted by: SETAC – Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
Place: Bruges, Belgium
Date: 19.10.–21.10.2026
Submission deadline for abstracts: 29.04.2026
Registration opens: 24.06.2026
Paid event
Europe stands at a critical juncture in its pursuit of sustainable clothing production and consumption. Despite growing awareness and policy commitments, the environmental and social challenges posed by the clothing industry remain profound. The EU Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textiles has identified that the environmental and climate pressures associated with clothing production and consumption continue to rise, rather than decline.
This seminar brought together leading researchers to explore the pathways toward sustainable clothing systems in Europe. It aimed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue by a range of different perspectives on one of the Europe’s most pressing sustainability challenges: the overproduction and excessive consumption of clothing.
The CARE project was represented by Emma Samsioe and Réka Tölg from Lund University as well as Ingrid Hausgrud from OsloMet who engaged with visitors and shared insights into circular household practices and sustainable consumption.
Presenters:
Hosted by: LUND University
Place: LUX: B129, Helgonavägen 3, Lund, Sweden
Date: 20.05.2026, 08:30 – 12:00 CET
Cost-free event
The ECESP Annual Conference, entitled ‘A competitive and fair circular Europe: The Ambition at the Heart of the Single Market’, will provide a high-level platform for discussing the ambitions, scope and policy direction of the Circular Economy Act (CEA), and will situate it within the broader EU framework, investment needs and global developments.
Bringing together policymakers, business leaders, financial experts, civil society representatives, youth leaders and regional stakeholders, the conference will facilitate the exchange of experiences, perspectives and visions, and provide opportunities to co-create circular projects, strategies and narratives that reflect Europe’s diversity.
CARE was represented by the CSCP. You could have met us at the Networking Village on Stakeholder Day.
Hosted by: European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform
Place: Brussels, Belgium
Date: 22.04. – 23.04.2026
Paid event
Held every two years, the ECSA conference brings together hundreds of citizen science researchers and practitioners, policymakers, science funders, and interested citizens. In meetings, round tables, workshops, and panel sessions, participants share experiences and knowledge, explore the transformative potential of citizen science and make the community grow and thrive.
The theme of the 2026 conference is Citizen Science bridging Centre and Periphery. This theme highlights the diversity of regions, ranging from urban agglomerations to remote northern and southern areas. The conference will explore the important connections of citizen science to sustainability, culture, history, political and legal systems, resources, public health, and much more besides.
CARE was represented by IVL. A panel session with Earthwatch Europe, University of Nottingham and IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute brought together examples where citizen science is used to engage members of the public with the circular economy, waste reduction, and sustainable lifestyles.
Hosted by: University of Oulu
Place: Oulu, Finland
Date: 04.03. – 07.03.2026
Paid event
The Heldenmarkt is Germany’s leading consumer fair for sustainable lifestyles, attracting a broad public audience interested in environmental action, fair products, and practical solutions for everyday living. Visitors can discover inspiring initiatives and connect with organisations working on circularity, sustainability, and social innovation.
CARE was represented by VERBRAUCHER INITIATIVE e.V. at an information stand. In addition, a 30-minute presentation slot introduced the CARE project and shared insights.
Hosted by: Heldenmarkt Berlin
Place: Berlin, Germany
Date: 15 – 16 November 2025
Paid event (Children and young people are admitted free of charge.)
From 8 to 12 October 2025, Dutch Sustainable Fashion Week took place across the Netherlands. The programme comprised a variety of activities focusing on circular fashion, repair, upcycling, exhibitions, workshops and fashion shows, all of which explore sustainability across the entire fashion lifecycle.
One of the programme’s highlights was the ‘Fashionably Early’ event at the Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam on 10 October, featuring short presentations from three Horizon Europe projects: FABRIX, EKIP and CARE | Circular Households. There was also be a presentation of a recent study by Concrete Blossom/The Niteshop.
CARE was represented by Lund University during the ‘Fashionably Early’ event.
Hosted by: Dutch Sustainable Fashion Week
Place: Across different cities in the Netherlands
Date: 08. – 12. October 202
The climate movement no longer enjoys the same popularity it did five years ago. The new government in Germany wants to scale back climate protection, while at the same time the climate crisis is escalating. How can we use these challenges in the new legislative period to pursue our goals in a way that is both thoughtful and courageous and full of energy? How can we generate innovative ideas for change? Which of our habitual ways of thinking can we break with? How can we motivate our country to participate once again and unleash new energy together? Visitors will explore these questions and think outside the box together.
CARE was represented by VERBRAUCHER INITIATIVE e.V. at the market of opportunities during the official breaks.
Hosted by: Klima Allianz Deutschland
Place: Online and Berlin, Germany
Date: 07. October 2025
Cost free
This year’s EU Green Week explored the ‘three Cs’ – clean, competitive and circular – and examined how to make Europe’s economic transition more circular. A circular economy has the potential to drive sustainable competitiveness, reduce waste, increase strategic autonomy, and foster innovation. It offers solutions to some of Europe’s most pressing challenges.
On 5 June, CARE was represented by CSCP, who delivered an impulse talk and hosted a World Café session. We highlighted how storytelling can encourage consumers to adopt more circular and climate-friendly behaviours.
CARE was represented by CSCP.
Organiser: European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment
Place: Brussels and Online
Date: 03. – 05.06.2025
Cost-free event
Read more in our article.
2025 marked the 30th anniversary of the UMWELTFESTIVAL. While it was just one of many programme items at the ‘Climate Forum “95” in 1995, the UMWELTFESTIVAL has now established itself as a permanent fixture in the Berlin event landscape – with nationwide appeal. The Climate Forum ‘95, organised as an international NGO forum under the leadership of the umbrella organisation Deutscher Naturschutzring and its member organisation GRÜNE LIGA as a counter-event to the first World Climate Conference (COP 1) in Berlin, is regarded as a model for all subsequent civil society forums at the annual UN climate conferences.
The UMWELTFESTIVAL provides a stage for those who are committed to people, nature, the environment and the climate, who think up creative and forward-looking solutions and offer inspiration and guidance. The aim is to create hope, describe common paths and resolve conflicts.
All associations, initiatives, companies, authorities, manufacturers and restaurateurs were invited to present their projects, services, products and ideas on environmental, nature and climate protection on the UMWELTFESITVAL’s experience mile in an inviting and inspiring way.
CARE was represented by Verbraucher Initiative e.V.
Organiser: GRÜNE LIGA Berlin
Place: Brandenburger Tor and Straße des 17. Juni, Berlin, Germany
Date: 01.06.2025, 11:00 – 18:00 CET
Cost-free event
As a continuation of the successful conference series ‘Re-source – Resource Conservation – From Idea to Action’, the Ministries of the Environment and the Federal Environmental Agencies of Austria, Switzerland and Germany invite you to the next symposium in Frankfurt am Main on 15 and 16 May 2025.
The main focus of the conference series is the transnational exchange of experience on topics related to resource conservation and circular economy. A particular focus will be on the development of waste management into a resource-efficient material flow economy.
In their presentations, expert speakers will outline approaches and strategies for sustainable resource management, thus highlighting options for practical implementation.
The conference is aimed at experts and interested parties from science, politics, administration, planning, industry and trade, as well as representatives of national and international specialist groups and NGOs in the fields of waste management, resource conservation, sustainable production and sustainable consumption.
CARE was represented by Verbraucher Initiative e.V.
Organiser: Environment ministries and federal agencies in Germany, Switzerland and Austria
Place: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Date: 15. – 16.05.2025, full day
Paid event
Read more in our article.
Mainstreaming Sustainable Consumption
The SCORAI Europe Conference 2025 was held in Lund, Sweden, on April 8-10 2025 together with the MISTRA Sustainable Consumption project and the EU 1.5° Lifestyles project. The conference brought together 400-500 researchers and practitioners concerned with sustainable consumption to make progress on mainstreaming sustainable consumption.
CARE was represented by Tampere University, OsloMet, Lund University, BOKU University and IVL.
Organiser: The International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics
Place: Lund (Sweden), or online
Date: 08. – 10.04.2025, full day
Paid event
Read more in our article.
Together with the University of Hamburg, the citizen science platform ‘mit:forschen! Creating Knowledge Together’ invited to the Forum Citizen Science 2024 on 9 and 10 October in the German Hanseatic City of Hamburg. The annual conference offers the community a platform for discussion, exchange of experiences and networking and took place for the seventh time.
CARE was represented by Verbraucher Initiative e.V. and CSCP with a workshop on ‘Zero Waste in the Wardrobe’.
Organiser: University of Hamburg and mit:forschen!
Place: Besenbinderhof 57A, 20097 Hamburg, Germany
Date: 09. – 10.10.2024, full day
Paid event
Read more in our article.