Insights from the Conference Workshops: What Facilitators and Participants Highlighted
As part of the VI Estonian Zero Waste Conference, a series of engaging and thought-provoking workshops took place on 16–17 October, focusing on behavioural change, reuse systems, systemic transition, and inter-organisational collaboration within the circular economy.
In this summary, we look back at the workshops and explore what both the facilitators and participants considered most important to highlight — from emotional drivers of consumption to creative collaboration between organisations.
How to shift people’s habits? Mapping the situation to build a plan
Workshop leaders: Triin Vihalemm, Margit Keller. Photo: Raul Mee
The first workshop, conducted in English, welcomed 16 participants and was structured around three sub-groups addressing the following behavioural challenges:
a) reducing excessive clothing purchases, including second-hand items;
b) replacing meat-based menus with plant-based alternatives at corporate events;
c) encouraging the repair of clothing and other items.
Key insights from the discussion included the emotional role of shopping, which often serves as a coping mechanism for everyday stress. Second-hand purchases were perceived as a form of indulgence. To curb overbuying, participants suggested the need for alternative sources of emotional relief. Additionally, it was noted that professional repair services frequently recommend replacement due to cost efficiency, whereas self-repair is perceived as personal success story, which cab be used in communication.
The second workshop, held in Estonian, involved 10 participants. To optimise time, moderators proposed focusing on a single topic: the habitual use of private cars for urban travel. Participants identified target groups for behavioural change and selected strategic approaches—sticks, carrots, sermons, and nudges. They also brainstormed „mad“ intervention ideas, including the taxation of single-occupancy car journeys.
Participant reflection — Maarja:
I found it valuable to look beyond individual choices and consider how social practices shape our behaviors. We discussed how habits like shopping for clothes or choosing event menus are not just personal decisions but part of wider social norms and structures. The workshop reminded me that fostering sustainable change requires addressing collective habits and the systems that sustain them, not just focusing on individual behavior.
From vision to action - how to make reuse systems mainstream?
Workshop leader: Nathan Dufour. Photo: Raul Mee
Participants showed strong commitment and engagement in exploring how reuse systems can work in practice. Together, they clarified what defines a true reuse system, reflected on recent EU legislative developments, and identified key factors for implementation. Working in small groups on concrete assignments, it was interesting to see that two groups - one in the morning, one in the afternoon - independently proposed expanding Estonia’s Deposit Return Scheme to also include other types of reusable packaging, such as takeaway containers.
Participant reflection — Kristiina:
The workshop brought together people from different backgrounds and offered them an opportunity to understand what a reuse system is, using the example of a packaging reuse system. In the closing circle, participants shared that they could apply this logic to other areas, such as the textile sector or spatial design.
How to phase out the old system?
Workshop leader: Martin A. Noorkõiv. Photo: Raul Mee
The workshop guided participants in creating individual phase-out plans for elements of old systems to be phased out - setting targets, creating coalitions, identifying leverege points and creating strategies. Together, we reflected on the challenges and strategies for managing the transition towards a circular economy.
Participant reflection — Marianne:
Martin’s workshop was boldly radical — a call to break the old system and explore the levers for making that change happen. It required some real mental effort, but it was also energizing and empowering. A key takeaway was to think about all the stakeholders involved: not only those who might oppose you, but those who could become your allies — and what arguments might convince them to join your cause.
Opening Symbiosis – Circular Economy Cooperation between Organizations
Workshop leaders: Carolin Aas ja Annabel Pops. Photo: Raul Mee
From our workshop, it seemed that the Disruptor Lens part resonated with participants the most. We had prepared a set of diverse questions — touching on different topics, perspectives, and types of organisations — that were meant to help turn familiar issues upside down and look at them from fresh angles. Some of the questions were a bit humorous or playful (intentionally so), but they also made people think and helped open up new ways of reasoning, which could later evolve into solutions or new ideas.
We also aimed to convey that symbiotic collaboration is possible between very different types of companies and to highlight its importance in the context of the circular economy — this was done through the “Symbiosis as a System” part of the workshop. Since our goal was to use the serious game approach to inspire new perspectives and make problem-solving more creative, it seems that we succeeded quite well.
Participant reflection — Marianne:
The workshop encouraged participants to think about where one person’s surplus could become another’s input — and how such resources could be used more wisely. The main takeaway was the importance of communication: sharing information and knowledge. Too often, a school cafeteria doesn’t know that the nearby fruit warehouse needs to use up 10 kg of peppers today.
Our discussion focused on food waste, particularly from the perspective of large-scale food wholesalers, producers, and restaurants. The real challenge was to come up with solutions for using these resources in a way that complies with regulations while remaining cost-effective.
Participant reflection — Kristiina:
There were only three participants in the afternoon workshop, but there was still plenty to discover. The questions we were given — such as "What are the hidden resources we haven’t yet used?" — led to fascinating answers, including people’s enthusiasm, waste heat, human waste, and the untapped potential of older people who are no longer active in the labor market but could contribute their skills and knowledge, for example in promoting a repair culture. Provocative questions were used to encourage new ways of thinking — such as "What if your success was measured in collaboration, not profit?"
In summary, the VI Estonian Zero Waste Conference workshops provided fertile ground for new ideas and connections. From behavioural change and reuse systems to systemic transitions and organisational collaboration, participants and facilitators alike emphasised that real change happens when insights turn into collective action — and when creativity, empathy, and cooperation come together in pursuit of a zero waste future.
