All schools in Riihimäki have a circular economy manager

In Riihimäki schools, environmentally friendly activities and thinking are a permanent part of everyday life and they are realized regularly during school days in small or big actions.

The circular economy is part of the curriculum of Riihimäki schools and all schools in Riihimäki have a teacher responsible for the circular economy. They promote the introduction of circular economy thinking and activities into teaching and are responsible for planning circular economy activities.

The schools' circular economy managers gather together regularly to plan activities for the upcoming semester and to go through the feedback received on the previous semester's circular economy issues. The schools also have joint activities related to the circular economy, such as the international Mother's Day in April, which all Riihimäki schools celebrate. The circular economy is taken seriously in the schools of Riihimäki and does not remain a pink dream of environmental friendliness.

"Things related to the circular economy are very concrete in schools. For example, at the Eteläinen school, each class in turn takes the school's plastic waste to the recycling point, and a composter was purchased for the Harjurinte school, where the home economics students take the bio-waste at the end of the lessons," says Anne Rautaparta.

Environmental friendliness is also implemented, among other things, with trips to nearby nature destinations, neighborhood cleaning jobs, electricity-free lessons and learn outdoors lessons. School children's environmental awareness is also increased with, among other things, environmentally-themed breakfasts and various themed events, such as the Earth hour event and the Bike to School event.

The goal is the sustainability of the operation, and it has also been successful, because at Eteläinen school, for example, recycling, frugal use of materials and reducing food waste have become established as part of the school's operations.

"Teachers and students have a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards circular economy issues, as the aim is to integrate the activity into a part of the school's normal everyday life. The teachers of Riihimäki schools are also offered the opportunity to participate in trainings related to the theme," says Rautaparta.

The circular economy refers to an economic model in which the value of products and materials is preserved for as long as possible, while the amount of waste and wastage and the use of resources are minimized. In the circular economy, repair, recycling and utilization as spare parts or material are emphasized.

Resource wise Riihimäki 2030:

Riihimäki is a resource-wise city.

Riihimäki operates carbon neutrally and does not produce greenhouse emissions that cause climate change.

Riihimäki operates in a circular economy, where materials circulate and no waste is generated.

At Riihimäki, natural resources are consumed sustainably.

Riihimäki has diverse nature, a comfortable living environment and an eco-efficient urban structure.

Additional information:

Anne Rautaparta, head of education, phone: 040 330 4452

Jenni Takala, environmental expert, phone: 050 380 9865