Circular economy – we've heard this word hundreds of times. It's now everywhere – not just in the climate or environment space but at events, in cafés, and even in our living rooms.
Friends talk about repair cafés, clothes mending, and upcycling as if it's second nature. It seems simple enough, until you try to explain it.
So what is the circular economy?
It's an approach to living and doing business where we design out waste, keep products and materials in use at their highest value for as long as possible (think: reduce, share, repair, refill, remanufacture, recycle), and restore nature rather than deplete it. In short: make things last, use them smarter, and give them a good second life.
No worries: Hammersmith & Fulham residents now have a chance to experience it firsthand. The eighth edition of Circular Economy Week is right around the corner – running from Monday 20 to Sunday 26 October 2025.
Organised by ReLondon, London's circular economy partner, the week is to the circular economy what London Climate Action Week is to climate: a moment to learn, join, and take action.
What's happening?
Across the city, dozens of talks, workshops, and hands-on sessions will help residents explore what circular living means – from woodworking and clothing repair to waste-free design and creative reuse.
It's also a way to reconnect with our high streets, our belongings, and each other. After all, why throw away something you love when a small fix can give it a second life?
Circular Economy Week is also a perfect opportunity to celebrate the organisations, businesses, and individuals walking the talk – especially right here in Hammersmith & Fulham, home to many members of the H&F Climate Alliance, of which The Green Londoner is proud to be part.
The Green Londoner will be out and about – attending and reporting from events across the city. We'll share fresh insights over the coming days, celebrating London as a giant circular hub and spotlighting best practices in London and in H&F. Follow along and join us on the ground.
These local changemakers are designing waste out of their work and proving that circularity can be both creative and community-driven.
Meet some of H&F's circular champions
- The Nourish Hub (Andreea Rizea) – Transforming surplus food into affordable community meals, in partnership with UKHarvest.
- The Broken Umbrella Project (Renee Tonkin) – Turning repair into a game for children, teaching them that "broken" can also mean "potential."
- Little Jukey (Ruchika and Vikram Kalra) – Creating beautiful, stage-appropriate toys from FSC-certified wood, recycled materials, and clean cotton — proving playtime can stay planet-friendly.
- Climate Clue (Pascale Crangle and Cecile Molinas) – Offering Interactive Workshops on Circular Economy, Climate Change and Climate Adaptation
- The Zip Yard (Judith Yemane, Shepherd's Bush Road) – Giving clothes a second life with skilled repairs and alterations, one zip at a time.
- La Modista's Mending Circles (Marisol Cordoba) – Helping residents rediscover the art (and joy) of sewing while cutting down on textile waste.
- Library of Things (Hammersmith) – Encouraging borrowing over buying, from drills to sewing machines, saving money and materials.
- Team Repair (Megan Hale, Anaïs Engelmann and Oscar Jones) – Teaching young people to fix electronics through clever kits that make e-waste repair fun and hands-on.
- Nature's Brief (Anne N'Diaye) – Hosting sustainability workshops and green learning sessions that help people and businesses understand how to make circular change.
Join the movement
If you're a resident, check out the events running from 20 to 26 October 2025 – from repair cafés to creative upcycling workshops.
If you're a business, consider joining the H&F Climate Alliance to connect with others taking action on waste, emissions, and community impact. Email hfclimatealliance@lbhf.gov.uk to get in touch.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and unless specifically stated are not necessarily those of Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
