Grassroots eco-social innovations driving inclusive circular economy
Date
2023
Authors
Gutberlet, Jutta
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Detritus
Abstract
The paper discusses research results on waste governance and circular economy, conducted with waste picker cooperatives in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil. Two cases have been selected, from a pool of 21 waste picker organizations, to video document their grassroots eco-social innovations that have improved local waste management and the lives of the cooperative members. The videos support knowledge sharing with key actors in waste governance and the circular economy. Social grassroots innovation theory focuses on livelihood opportunities beyond the formal labour market, pursuing social inclusion by creating meaningful work for individuals who were considered left out and in vulnerable situations. Transitioning to sustainability necessarily goes beyond socio-technical innovations but rather integrates eco-social perspectives. After first introducing grassroots innovation theory and the concept of eco-social innovations the paper describes the empirical frame and presents two cases where organized waste pickers were successful in operationalizing innovations that address the circular economy and contribute to sustainability transitions. Key findings highlighted are cooperative governance, long-term partnership building, improved productivity and increased income.
Description
Keywords
Community-based Research Lab (CBRL), eco-social innovations, grassroots innovations, sustainability transition, circular economy, waste picker organizations
Citation
Gutberlet, J. (2023). Grassroots eco-social innovations driving inclusive circular economy. Detritus, 22, 3–12. https://doi.org/10.31025/2611-4135/2023.17252