Circular Quest: Successful kick-off for the circular economy in Olten

On September 12, 2024, Circular Quest was officially opened at Werkhof Olten and met with great interest. Over 60 participants from the worlds of politics, education, business and the general public came together to get to know this innovative project and discover the principles of the circular economy. SRF Regionaljournal Aargau Solothurn was also on site to report on the launch of Circular Quest.

Appeal by Thomas Marbet

Thomas Marbet, Mayor of Olten, opened the event with an urgent appeal: "Our cities are facing major challenges. The circular economy is an opportunity to tackle them and turn waste into valuable resources." City Councillor Marion Rauber, representatives of the city of Aarau and the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) were among those present. Everyone was motivated to actively contribute to shaping a more sustainable future.

‍

Inspiring lectures

Inspiring presentations gave attendees practical insights into the circular economy. Anja Christina Siffert from the FOEN explained how SMEs can play a pioneering role in solving the resource problem through clever innovations. Vanessa Rueber from Patagonia showed how sustainable entrepreneurship can be successful even in challenging times. Martin Räber (Future Perfect) emphasized the crucial role of education: "Education is the key to making learners fit for a sustainable future." Thomas von Burg, Rector of GIBS, was also present and emphasized the growing need for such educational initiatives.

‍

The centerpiece: Circular Quest

However, the heart of the event was Circular Quest itself. Project manager Selina Reusser presented the interactive scavenger hunt, which teaches participants in a fun way how to avoid waste and use resources responsibly. Circular Quest shows how we can make our everyday lives sustainable through conscious consumption and circular approaches.

‍

Networking and exhibition with circular products

After the presentations, an exhibition of circular products - from recycled bags to furniture - offered a practical insight into the circular economy. Participants used the subsequent networking aperitif to exchange ideas with local players and companies such as Patagonia and STUDIOCOLONY.

Circular Quest sets a strong signal for the future: in collaboration with partners such as the FOEN, Swiss Recycle and Olten Tourism, awareness of the circular economy is being raised. The project has met with a consistently positive response and is to be implemented in other cities in order to make the topic of the circular economy accessible to a broad public.

‍

‍

‍

About Circular Quest

The scavenger hunt is aimed at vocational trainees, companies and private individuals, whereby the latter can participate free of charge. Circular Quest can now be played in Olten, starting at the train station. You should allow around two hours for the hunt.

More information at www.future-perfect.ch/circular-quest

‍