Insights from SCORAI Europe 2025

How can we reshape our consumption habits to ensure a sustainable future amidst an uncertain world? At the SCORAI Europe Conference 2025, the CARE project explored this question together with over 500 researchers and practitioners committed to transforming consumption.

CARE at SCORAI Europe 2025: presenting research for a circular future

On April 8-10 the CARE project took part in the SCORAI Europe Conference 2025 by presenting our project and research. SCORAI (Sustainable Consumption Research and Action Initiative) is an international network that brings together people from multi-disciplinary backgrounds with a shared interest in research and action around sustainable consumption and who are committed to building a flourishing and ecologically-sound society by changing the way we consume. This year the European conference was held in Lund, Sweden by the MISTRA Sustainable Consumption project and the EU 1.5° Lifestyles project.

The CARE project at the SCORAI Europe Conference 2025. | Photo by Martta Vänskä

Looking back and moving forward: the conference in context

Approximately 550 attendees joined us for 50 sessions that included a staggering 300 presentations during the three days. We were welcomed by Matthias Lehner from Lund University with a relevant reminder of the urgency and uncertainty our research community is facing with the rapidly changing political environment.

The theme of the conference – the past, the present, and the future of sustainable consumption – was summed up very nicely with thought-provoking examples in the first keynote speakers Professor Frank Trentmann’s speech about our troubled relationship with consumption and sustainability, and how it has evolved through history. Many listeners seemed to be struck by Trentmann’s example of 1920s Japan; a photo of a poster from a campaign targeting Japanese households to change their homes, especially kitchens to more efficient – and sustainable. Trentmann described the campaign as a success because of the joint effort made by several stakeholders for cooperative implementation. The example was to remind us that 100 years ago, there was an imagined future that we live in today. So, if we could live differently yesterday, we can live differently tomorrow.

CARE in conversation: our contributions and collaborations

Harald Throne-Holst from OsloMet presenting CARE’s literature review on sustainable interventions in clothing consumption and food waste. | Photo by Martta Vänskä

The following days were filled with presentations about research projects and initiatives with the joint mission to seek and implement the ways to transform our society to more sustainable consumption. The CARE project fitted in well with other similar interventions and initiatives targeting households to promote the circular economy.

We had the pleasure of continuing our conversations with our sister project CircleUp and sharing our preliminary research findings with other social practice theorists. We were also honored to host a session ‘Interventions toward circular consumption’ with insightful presentations of interventions around Europe.

A breath of optimism amidst global uncertainty

“Being there with hundreds of others interested in how we can make consumption more sustainable was a refreshing experience, especially in the current geopolitical situation where most of the news are related to conflicts and wars. Yet, everyday consumption is a field where everyone can have an impact and make a difference. This brings some hope and highlights the importance of the CARE project”, commented Professor Elina Närvänen, the coordinator of the CARE project.

The future we CARE for: from growth to wellbeing

Keynote speaker Tim Jackson at the SCORAI Europe Conference 2025. | Photo by Martta Vänskä

Representing the CARE project, we felt particularly relevant to the topic of the last keynote speaker of the conference. Professor Tim Jackson introduced his latest book titled The Care Economy. Jackson’s approach to care stems from the idea that true prosperity should be measured by health. The care economy is labor-intensive, providing plenty of job opportunities while being less carbon and material-intensive, making it more sustainable. He highlights the systemic neglect of care in favor of growth-driven models, which often lead to environmental degradation and social inequality.

Tracing the historical roots of the current economic system, Jackson shows how capitalism and the pharmaceutical industry have shaped our approach to health and care. He proposes that care should be seen as a restorative force, similar to the internal balance of the human body, maintaining harmony and health. Organizing the economy around care can lead to a more balanced and healthy society. A path from a careless economy to the care economy.

Join us: making circular living a reality

If you’re passionate about transforming consumption practices, we invite you to join us at CARE. By working together, we can make circular consumption a practical part of everyday life. Share your insights, discuss challenges, and help us drive systemic change. Learn more on how to engage with us here.

Together with CARE, we transform our world for the better.

Header image: Photo by Martta Vänskä