Circular Monday inspires sustainable choices – the Circular Economy Green Deal provides a framework for change
Circular Monday is the sustainable counterpart to Black Friday, celebrated on the third Monday of November. It encourages people to make environmentally friendly choices such as recycling, repairing, borrowing, and buying used products instead of supporting overconsumption and the purchase of new items. Launched in September 2024, the Finnish Circular Economy Green Deal provides a concrete framework and support for organizations to promote the circular economy in their operations. With sustainable solutions and circular economy principles, we can build a responsible future where natural resources are preserved in the economic cycle for as long as possible.
In Finland, the voluntary Circular Economy Green Deal commitment(siirryt toiseen palveluun) has been established to advance the circular economy and strengthen the construction of a sustainable future. It provides a clear framework where the participating organizations commit to reducing their use of natural resources and setting effective goals, and to taking actions that promote a low-carbon circular economy. The companies, communities, and municipalities are offered tangible support to integrate the circular economy into their activities and reduce resource consumption.
The Circular Economy Green Deal provides a framework for a sustainable future
”Transitioning to a circular economy requires coordinated action, but reaching national agreement on reducing resource use has been challenging. Finland’s approach unites stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers to set clear, science-based targets and practical measures to drive cross-sector progress toward circularity, ”says Senior Environmental Advisor Taina Nikula from the Ministry of the Environment(siirryt toiseen palveluun).
The first commitments were announced in September 2024, and it has been gratifying to see strong enthusiasm for the commitment. The initiative brings together the pioneers of the circular economy to promote it from their own perspectives on a voluntary basis.
”By setting ambitious goals and taking concrete actions, we can drive innovation and create ecosystems that facilitate a more systematic transition in key sectors. We are particularly encouraged by the commitments made by businesses in the building sector and in plastics value chain”, says Nikula.
Circular Monday challenges Black Friday
Circular Monday, held annually just before the traditional Black Friday, challenges consumer behavior and offers alternatives for sustainable consumption. Circular Monday encourages consumers and businesses to choose responsible options, such as repairing, borrowing, renting, and recycling, instead of buying new products. Finland is one of the world’s leading countries in second-hand shopping, which is a positive sign towards more sustainable consumption, but on a larger scale, significant changes are needed in the attitudes and actions of consumers and businesses.
Circular Monday has grown year by year, inspiring more companies and consumers to make responsible choices, acting as an effective counterbalance to the traditional consumption-driven Black Friday.
Five transformation themes for building sustainability
The Circular Economy Green Deal consists of five transformation themes that guide concrete actions and help participants focus on their core competencies. These transformation themes are resource-wise built environment, industry based on circular economy, sustainable consumption and business models, material-efficient energy system and renewing food system. Within each theme the most impactful actions have been identified. These actions provide a framework: each organization can choose those that best suit the organization’s strategy and development of their circular economy.
Coordination and support
The commitments are coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment. Circular Economy Finland supports the participants together with the Green Building Council Finland (FIGBC). The Green Building Council is responsible for providing support in the field of resource-wise built environment, while Circular Economy Finland oversees all other themes.
Additional Information
To learn more about the Circular Economy Green Deal (siirryt toiseen palveluun)and how to participate, interested organizations can visit the official website of the Ministry of the Environment or Circular Economy Finland. There, they can find detailed information, instructions and guidelines for how to proceed. The initiative aims to bring together organizations of all sizes and sectors to collaborate in advancing sustainable solutions.
In addition, Green Building Council Finland (FIGBC) (siirryt toiseen palveluun)offers support specifically in implementing resource-efficient practices within the built environment. Circular Economy Finland provides further guidance and networking opportunities to support participants across all other areas of change. These resources are intended to help organizations achieve meaningful progress in their circular economy efforts and create lasting environmental benefits.
Further information
Policy brief April 2024: Finland’s Approach to Building Strategic Joint Commitment for Circular Economy Action (siirryt toiseen palveluun)
Circular Economy Green Deal(siirryt toiseen palveluun)
Green Building Council Finland (FIGBC)(siirryt toiseen palveluun)