Eco design community

Eco design community mainly is based on initiatives that are held by Eco design competencies centre (Ekodizaina kompetences centrs). Active since 2012, it includes specialists and activists from different fields of study. Together they take part in larger initiatives from around EU and other parts of world. They activate larger programs like Eco Schools and REACH regulation in local communities. They also take part in creating local policies regarding sustainable product and service development.   

As mentioned before this community includes local activists that strive for more organized system development. This can also be seen through the Eco labeling project, through which the importance and meaning of labeling is explained. 

As a community they are organising seminars, surveys, workshops and study materials. Through them they are trying to make a better understanding of life cycles of products and help consumers to orientate better in a large range of seemingly 'green' and ecological products. 

One of their biggest initiatives was food waste reduction in schools. This was done through the “Eco schools” project, where together with teachers and school management schools tried to decrease food waste. In some instances the food waste was reduced for more than by half. Explanatory materials, graphic materials were made for school teachers to show to students to increase understanding about environmental issues and about the importance of reducing food waste and waste in general. The project tried to work with both school management and local city councils. 

Indirectly raising awareness about the importance of ecologically grown food increases interest in self-grown food. Same goes for food waste. These practices do not directly break lock ins but they do that through setting an example. They form a knowledge base that can influence further activities of food disabling city. By consulting, making publications and smaller initiatives. 

Reduction of food waste, chemicals and chemical waste can influence how resources are used, by looking from this perspective this smarter use of resources and educating more people about the importance of saving resources prepares the 'ground' for further activities. 

As a community of many actors the organisation strives for change in legislation of eco labeling, reduction of food waste, mobilising different actors for common goals. Common goals being waste reduction and creation of a better functioning system.