As humans, we have adopted a linear “take, make and throw away” approach, in contrast to the circular processes observed in nature. In the living world, there is no waste disposal site – the waste of one species is the food of another, things grow and then die, and nutrients return to the soil. Can we shift our linear mindset to operate in the same circular manner as the more-than-human world?

While recycling begins at the end of a product's life cycle, a circular economy addresses waste prevention from the outset. However, there are many structural, legal and cost-related challenges in implementing this concept in practice. 

The exhibition presents the Finnish-Argentinian project CIBIECO (Circular Bioeconomy: From Theory to practice, 2022-2024). The project focuses on the ideas of the circular economy like “building capital from waste”, “keeping economy in a circular loop”, and their practical application in small enterprises across Finland and Argentina.

This project integrates research, education, and local community engagement. The exchange between Finnish and Argentinian researchers and students provides great opportunities for sharing expertise, knowledge and cultural insights. The project is funded by Team Finland Knowledge programme. 
Project participants:
Arctic Centre, University of Lapland (Lead institution), Rovaniemi, Finland
Centria University of Applied Sciences, Kokkola, Finland 
National University of Río Cuarto, Rio Cuarto, Argentina  
National University of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands, Ushuaia, Argentina

Dr. Anna Stammler-Gossmann, who is leading the CIBIECO consortium project is a social anthropologist at the Arctic Centre of the University of Lapland and Coordinator of the Arctic Studies Programme. She explores the ways communities across the Arctic and Sub-Antarctic (Patagonia; Argentina) embed themselves into the context of societal and environmental changes. Her research draws on theoretical frameworks that connect the anthropology of space and place, concepts of cold, disaster, northern economies, and food systems with ideas of circularity and sustainability.

The exhibition presents photo materials collected during the visits, fieldwork and “Circularity schools” in Finland and Argentina. 

Anna Stammler-Gossmann:
Throw away or find a way to circularity
3.9.–19.9.2024
Opening: Monday 2.9.2024 at 18–19.30
University of Lapland, (F-wing, 1st floor, Yliopistonkatu 8, Rovaniemi)
Open: Mon-Fri at 8–19.30, Sat-Sun closed.