Rotary’s 7th area of focus was established to prioritise care for the environment and is the foundation for Rotary’s other 6 areas of focus. In celebration of World Environment Day, you are most warmly invited to join Rotarians from around the District and the Region for a luncheon, on 17th May at the Sofitel on Collins, highlighting a very special environmental theme: the Circular Economy.
The circular economy is based on three principles, underpinned by a transition to renewable energy and materials:
Eliminate waste & pollution
Circulate, reuse, and recycle products and materials
Regenerate nature
A circular economy decouples economic activity from the consumption of finite resources. It is a resilient system that is good for business, people, and the environment.
Many organisations view participating in the circular economy as a way to support sustainability of earth’s eco-system services and address the serious challenges of climate change. For example, instead of thinking about manufacturing products that use earth’s finite resources one time before being discarded, circular economy thinking designs products for use across multiple manufacturing cycles. In a circular economy, waste is designed out of the product lifecycle in favour of reuse, recycling, repurposing, repairing, and remanufacture.
Rotary’s 7th area of focus, protecting the environment, specifically includes these two concepts that align with the principles of a circular economy: Addressing the cause of climate change by reducing the emission of greenhouse gases; and Advocating for sustainable consumption to build an economy that uses resources more efficiently
As Rotary clubs around the region seek to design service projects aligned with Rotary’s commitment to the environment, it is important to understand how Rotarians can participate as club members and as active members of the business, education, and non-profit communities.
To learn more about the circular economy, and heighten our collective and individual awareness of actions we could take, a distinguished panel of speakers has been convened to share what Victorians are already doing to participate in the circular economy and future opportunities. Panellists include Lord Mayor Sally Capp, Circular Economy expert Bob Glindemann, Deloitte Sustainability Partner Jill Riseley, and Aboriginal Architect Rueben Berg.
The sustainably sourced and carbon neutral, 3-course lunch is designed by Chef Adam D’Sylva in collaboration with the Sofitel master chefs. There will be plenty of opportunity to network with business and thought leaders about how you and your organisation can grow your own sustainability profile as part of the emerging circular economy.
Reservations at the lunch for tables of 10, individuals or couples may be made at:https://events.humanitix.com/rotary-world-environment-day-lunch/tickets