IV Estonian Zero Waste Conference: how we change systems
Conference website and registration
Last year, the III Estonian Zero Waste Conference showed that circular systems are already reality in different parts of Europe. But many of these solutions are still in the niche and it is not always easy to survive in the linear economy world. In 2025, the IV Estonian Zero Waste Conference will be looking into how big changes in society happen and what the different elements of those changes are.
Dates: 16-17 October 2025
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
AGENDA
Thursday, Oct 16th
9.30-10.00 Doors open, morning tea and coffee
10.00-11.00 Opening of the conference: How do systems change? – Martin A. Noorkõiv (societal change consultant)
11.00-11.30 Coffee and tea break
11.30–13.30 1st round of workshops (descriptions below)
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How to phase out the old system?
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How to shift people’s habits? Mapping the situation to build a plan
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From vision to action – how to make reuse systems mainstream?
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Sümbioosi avamine – organisatsioonidevaheline ringmajanduslik koostöö (workshop in Estonian)
13.30-14.30 Lunch
14.30-16.30 2nd round of workshops
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How to phase out the old system?
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Kuidas inimeste harjumusi ümber kujundada? Olukorra kaardistus plaani loomiseks (workshop in Estonian)
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From vision to action – how to make reuse systems mainstream?
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Opening Symbiosis – Circular Economy Cooperation between Organizations
16.30-16.45 Stretch break
16.45-17.00 Closing the 1st conference day
19.00 Optional networking evening at Ibis Tallinn Center
Friday, Oct 17th
9.00-9.30 Doors open, morning tea and coffee
9.30.00-11.00 Discussion: Systems’ change reality check – where should we put our focus?
We will be looking into the three elements of system change: acceleration of new practices, change of mindsets and destabilisation of the old system – What is currently missing and why? What should we be doing and what shouldn’t we?
Panelists: Esra Tat (Zero Waste Europe), Triin Vihalemm (University of Tartu), Margot Roose (City of Tallinn).
Moderator: Martin A. Noorkõiv
11.00-11.30 Coffee and tea break
11.30-13.30 Living Library with organisations working practically for the change of mindsets, practices, business models. Confirmed organisations (more to be added!):
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Tallinn Circular Economy Center (Estonia)
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Tootjavastutusorganisatsioon OÜ (Estonian Producer Responsibility Organisation for packaging)
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Yhtenein pöytä (Shared table, Finland)
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Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) (United Kingdom)
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Health Care Without Harm Europe (Europe)
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Collectif3R (France)
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Telaketju network (Finland)
Additionally there will be a mental health cafe corner by Peaasi.ee
13.30-14.30 Lunch
14.30-15.30 Discussion with the conference participants about the insights and learnings from the conference. Moderator: Mayri Tiido
15.30-16.00 Closing the conference and looking ahead
16.00-16.30 Networking
Co-organisation
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Zero Waste Estonia -
Zero Waste Europe