The network meeting on 7 January in Information Centre Het Baken on Schiermonnikoog started with a warm welcome and a short inspiring presentation by Lisa Edema (Sustainability Policy Officer). Using photos, Lisa shared her experiences with previous FREIIA visits to Bornholm, Île de Groix and Îles du Ponant. She showed how local initiatives, such as those on Bornholm, give practical and creative substance to sustainability. One example that made an impression was the sustainability centre. Children who are distanced from regular education learn to work with textiles, wood, ironwork and white goods there. With a circular practice, reuse of materials and supply on the local market, a great source of inspiration.
The network meeting on 7 January in Information Centre Het Baken on Schiermonnikoog started with a warm welcome and a short inspiring presentation by Lisa Edema (Sustainability Policy Officer). Using photos, Lisa shared her experiences with previous FREIIA visits to Bornholm, Île de Groix and Îles du Ponant. She showed how local initiatives, such as those on Bornholm, give practical and creative substance to sustainability. One example that made an impression was the sustainability centre. Children who are distanced from regular education learn to work with textiles, wood, ironwork and white goods there. With a circular practice, reuse of materials and supply on the local market, a great source of inspiration.
For example, there is also a ceramic container where people can take pieces of ceramics - from children's dinnerware to still good toilet bowls - with which waste can be reused in a surprising way. The still whole pieces are simply placed at the front of the container.
FREIIA’s Vision in Practice: Creative Designs from Local Materials
Ward van der Houwen, researcher/lecturer at Hanze University of Applied Sciences, then explained the assignment that the students he coaches have been working on. “Their assignment was to design sustainable souvenirs, first, and then other products that really replace the current, non-sustainable items and do not end up as a sustainable alternative. Souvenirs, for example, that are just as desirable as the current ones. Sustainable as in: locally made and from existing or natural materials,” said Ward. He emphasized FREIIA’s vision: looking pragmatically at possibilities and connecting with previous sustainable initiatives on the island. This offers room for both innovation and building on existing ideas.
Presentation and mini-exhibition: creative solutions and sustainable inspiration
The entire group of twelve IPO students (Industrial Product Design) was present to present their research and designs. In two groups, they enthusiastically talked about the different phases of their process, from exploration to the final product. They not only shared their ideas, but also the challenges they had to take into account during the design process.
A number of striking projects were discussed. For example, students transformed old bicycle tires into a beautiful bicycle bag and showed wickerwork of inner tubes that is suitable for various applications, from bracelets to mounting material. Another example was the making of plaster molds in the shape of seals, with which sustainable alternatives for current souvenirs can be developed. The idea was also suggested to involve local artists for unique designs.
In addition, an inspiring collaboration with Ramón Hendriks and Sygrid Blaauwwiekel of Hotsje Mooi Motsje has been established in recent months. Together with the students, he worked on the further development of souvenirs under the name SchierInZicht, using Eska cardboard, cardboard that is made in Groningen from grass cuttings. This collaboration once again underlines the importance of connecting local entrepreneurs and students to arrive at innovative and sustainable solutions.
Finally, the problem of service sets for accommodation providers was discussed: an estimated 15,000 sets are thrown away partially or unused each year. The students presented solutions, such as developing reusable dishwashing brushes, that can prevent this waste.
