On the 3rd of July at 13.15 – 15.00 we invite you to join our series of talks on Plastics in Green Urban Living.
This enlightening series consists of four talks providing unique insights into how PVC plastic can be leveraged as an innovative and environmentally conscious material in modern urban garden solutions. We take the crucial dialogue on local food production and biodiversity seriously and are eager to share our visions with like-minded professionals.
Talk 1: PVC Plastic in Urban Gardens
The first talk is dedicated to showcasing why PVC plastic has become the material of choice for urban gardens. We will delve into how PVC can serve as an effective solution for vertical gardening and hydroponic systems, enabling the cultivation of food in urban environments with limited space. Ole Grøndahl Hansen and Tobias Johnsen from the PVC Information Council will give an overview of various global initiatives where PVC plastic plays a significant role in vegetable cultivation.
Talk 2: Local Food Production and Creative Waste Use: Reinventing Urban Gardens
The second talk in this stimulating session features Marianne Mikkelsen, an esteemed natural guide who has pioneered several pilot projects under the umbrella of Garden to Connect. Garden to Connect is financed by VinylPlus, the European PVC industry’s Commitment to sustainable development.
Marianne Mikkelsen’s presentation promises to unravel the transformation of discarded PVC building waste into productive urban landscapes. Her lecture will provide a compelling narrative of the trials, triumphs, and learnings from her pilot projects. These initiatives symbolise the true essence of the 'circular economy' in urban spaces, turning waste into resources, and revealing the beauty and utility hidden in what we often consider trash.
Her strategies are not just innovative but also practical and replicable, opening the possibility for architects to harness waste materials as a sustainable, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing component in their design palette. Garden to Connect was selected by the European Commission for the first New European Bauhaus Festival, as the project is sustainable, inclusive, and beautiful and thus fulfills the three pillars of the New European Bauhaus iniative.
Talk 3: Garden to Connect in Kigali, Rwanda
Building on the success of Garden to Connect in Denmark, the project has now been successfully rolled out in Kigali, Rwanda. From Denmark to Kigali, this innovative initiative has developed the use of reused PVC pipes, adapting them to serve a unique purpose. In Kigali, where heavy rainfall poses a challenge, these repurposed pipes become a game-changer, preventing soil erosion in kitchen gardens, and allowing crops to thrive. At the same time drought is a growing problem in many parts of the world, including Rwanda. Plant containers made from reused PVC plastic pipes conserve precious water. But that's not all—this project goes beyond agriculture. It empowers former street children by teaching them cultivation techniques, fostering a positive impact on their lives. Garden to Connect is even experimenting with turning those pipe remnants into drums, honoring the rich African culture. Join Betina Ringby, a social entrepreneur and the driving force behind the Kigali project, as she shares the incredible success stories and transformative outcomes that have unfolded.
Talk 4: Greenhouse Gutters in Recycled PVC
In this captivating presentation, Janne Mäkisalo from the Primo Group will show how recycled PVC has become a game-changer in sustainable design of greenhouses. Discover how it offers a multitude of benefits, including durability, versatility, and most importantly, its positive impact on the environment. Janne will dive into the innovative techniques and processes that have transformed PVC waste into functional growing gutters for greenhouses, which contribute to food security around the globe.