A couple of us from Dunbar went over to Bridge of Allan to the Community Resources Network (CRNS) 2013 conference. The topic was the “Circular Economy” and we had a chance to talk with delegates from most of the “community resource” sector, many public & private players too.
Frazer Scott, Head of Business & Development at ZWS introduced the concept of the circular economy, and that Scotland is the first and only country to have joined Ellen Macarthur’s CE100 club of the great and the good.
Dr Leslie Mabon, Edinburgh University, set out his project which is examining engagement (or the lack of) between academics, people and communities.
Bobby Gavin, Valpak wants to get more involved with the third sector and the WEEE contracts they manage in Scotland.
Alis Balance, Moffat CAN, spoke of the high profile projects and activities in Moffat aimed at reducing carbon impacts.
Stephen Clarke, TerraCycle UK explained the ‘Brigade Programme’ that tackles hard to recycle materials and products, whilst fundraising for local charities and giving big corporates an opportunity to use their persuasive brand power for good causes.
Workshops for funders, policy, partnership working, furniture, and reuse completed the day.
CRNS has around 100 members, which include most local reuse and recycling projects, but excluding charity shops.