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One day, long ago, a forest fire raged across the land. Amid the chaos, as animals fled in terror, a tiny hummingbird flew tirelessly back and forth between a pond and the flames, dropping small but determined beakfuls of water onto the fire. An old armadillo mocked the bird’s efforts, crying out, “You’ll never put out the fire with those drops!” The hummingbird replied simply, “I know, but I am doing my bit.”

This tale, as often told by Pierre Rabhi, reminds us that we all can play a role in the social and ecological transition. Each drop is important in the collective response to the climate crisis.

This is the message relayed by the Communities for Climate (C4C), 50 citizens’ communities engaged in local action across Europe, for more resilient neighbourhoods. By sharing their creative and sustainable solutions, C4Cs can inspire and help other local communities also committed to doing their part in the context of climate change.

Communities for Climate are already active in the circular economy, proving how local action can make a significant impact in this area.

C4C for Circular Economy

The circular economy seeks to minimise waste and maximise the value of resources by promoting sustainable production, consumption, and reuse. This approach includes practices like recycling, composting, bio-waste treatment, and resource-efficient design.

From tackling sustainable fashion in Val-de-Marne, France, to guiding vulnerable youth toward green careers in Bordeaux, the C4C projects’ portfolio span a variety of innovative initiatives. Troyes is championing zero waste and bio-waste management, while a project near Bologna intertwines community and culture in a shared 'agri-cultural' space. In southeastern Spain, climate assemblies foster informed civic action, and in Valencia, a project refurbishes bicycles to promote social inclusion. In Catalonia, local groups transform urban food waste into edible products, while Lund's ‘Library of Things’ is embracing an economy based on sharing.

In this article, we share testimonials from C4Cs and their thematic experts. Let’s dive into these transformative projects!

Project spotlight: C4C in Action

In Bologna, the Ai 300 Scalini project combines cultural and social activities with sustainable agriculture. The project supports the implementation of circular economy principles (i.e. eliminate waste, circulate products and materials, and regenerate). A regenerated vineyard, a community oven, a greenhouse, an orchard, an apiary, a rainwater harvesting system and renewable energy production among other features; Paola Miolano shares how C4C has helped them reduce waste, and rethink resource use. By aligning their efforts internally and engaging external stakeholders, they are closing the loop on consumption and fostering systemic change.

In Bordeaux, Les Immersives transforms bulky waste into opportunity through creative reuse, around 3 axis – to collect from households, to valorise - re-cycle, re-invent, repair (the 3 Rs) - to redistribute at a fair price. Véronique Pratviel highlights how the project not only combats overconsumption but also empowers disadvantaged youth by introducing them to green jobs and sustainable crafts. Through immersive experiences, these young people build confidence, gain skills, and discover meaningful career paths.

In another corner of France, Jean-Paul Grange shares the excitement of piloting an online repair shop and advancing resale initiatives at Ecofashion 94. With C4C’s support, the team is expanding its network and refining sustainable strategies to inspire a larger cultural shift towards repair and waste reduction.

In Troyes, Kastriot Gjoni emphasises the importance of biowaste sorting as a practical and impactful example of circularity. Through its participation in C4C, Zéro Déchet Troyes has renewed its commitment to scaling up efforts, amplifying its impact, and fostering deeper community engagement.

Across Europe we find other excellent examples of the ‘3 Rs’ principle. In Sweden, the Circle Centre’s Library of Things exemplifies solidarity in action. Conceived by students at Lund University, the initiative encourages the community to borrow instead of buying. Its goal is to minimize the environmental footprint of consumption and to promote and economy based on shared resources.

From Spain, Teresa Arnal explains how Ágoras Climáticas champions active citizenship and deliberative democracy to tackle the climate crisis. These fora foster collaborative governance, empowering citizens to explore solutions like the circular economy, turning eco-anxiety into collective action. By amplifying unheard voices, Ágoras Climáticas sparks hope and innovation within Spanish communities.

In Castellón, Bicis para todas proposes a “re-cycling to cycling for all’ approach, rescuing bicycles from the garbage, repairing them, and providing sustainable means of transport to vulnerable people. Meanwhile, in Barcelona, the Urban(eat)a project organises gleaning events, inviting residents to harvest edible fruits from urban trees. These fruits are transformed into marmalade or olive oil, creating value for local charities and associations.

Expert Insights: Building Momentum

Nicola Cerantola, from Ecolodging, underscores the importance of ecosystem mapping and strategic planning for transitioning to circularity. His expertise helps professionalise community-driven initiatives, ensuring they thrive in complex and dynamic environments.

From Zero Waste Europe, Jack McQuibban highlights the critical need for greater financial and regulatory support for circular projects. Through C4C, he hopes to showcase community successes as a model for replication and advocacy, pushing policymakers to prioritize circular strategies.

Joyce Halloun brings strategic guidance to empower young people through projects like Les Immersives. Her work bridges the gap between ecological transition and career development, inspiring a new generation to lead the circular economy movement, which is core to some of the projects that C4C is supporting.

More to Come...

The journey of our Communities for Climate is just beginning. Through their remarkable work in the circular economy, these projects prove that collective action - no matter how small - can create meaningful change. From reducing waste to fostering green jobs, these communities are paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future.

And this is only part of the story. Soon, we’ll share updates on other key areas, such as renewable energy, biodiversity or sustainable water management. Until then, we remain committed to doing our part!