Sustainability and Closed Loop / Circular Production for Craft & Artisan

Introduction

The purpose of this workshop is to understand current practices of craft and artisan based organisations and producers with regards to production and procurement processes, specifically in the following areas:

• Sourcing raw materials
• Preparing materials ready for production
• Production processes
• Energy uses
• Waste disposal

We will use the information from the workshop to map out patterns of sustainability and circular production and identify where there are gaps and opportunities, particularly where waste is going to landfill. This research will inform creation of a co-designed learning toolkit specifically for the craft and artisan sectors enabling workers and makers to place themselves at the forefront of the zero-waste, low-carbon economy.

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Preparatory Work

Participants will use photography to document and illustrate their current practices in advance of attending the workshop. They will be provided with a training guide to aid and support their preparations. We can offer participants businesses exposure through the CASCADE international project reach through our website, blog and social media streams sharing their story and processes if they opt in and give consent.

Workshop - Lunch will be provided

The workshop will focus on encouraging, enabling and capturing creative ideas and participants will collaboratively design new innovations for their businesses so that opportunities for sustainable and circular methods (low carbon and zero waste) can be identified and put in place.

Creation of bespoke E-Learning course

The research will inform the content development of a freely accessible e-learning course that aims to enable craft and artisan makers to gain knowledge and skills to develop their enterprises into innovative, low energy, circular/closed loop production models of business.  

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To solve big problems like climate change, waste, and pollution, we need to rethink how we design, make, and use the things we need, from the food we eat, gifts and goods we purchase, to the clothes we wear. Together, we can create a better future for business, society, and the natural world.

For more information and any enquiries contact: r.harris3@lancaster.ac.uk or beki@goodthingscollective.co.uk