Circular material valuer curriculum
Millions of tons of valuable, reusable materials are discarded daily, representing massive lost economic opportunity and avoidable environmental impact.
The Circular Material Valuer Curriculum was a 6-month citizen science project that aimed to address this challenge by exploring the capabilities needed to extend product lifespans, reduce waste, and create sustainable livelihoods.
Developed in partnership with Reuse City Studio and funded by Hans Sauer Foundation, the project recognises that circular economy transitions require more than infrastructure and policy—they require skilled people who can keep materials in use.
Envisioning the Circular Material Valuer as a new professional role equipped to divert reusable materials from waste streams, the project developed accessible learning pathways to build these capabilities.
Between April and September 2025, we conducted participatory workshops—both in-person and online—with participants in Berlin and across the GIG network. Bringing together participants from the Global North and South, we documented and learned from the real-world practices of Valuers: repairers, upcyclers, and everyday citizens who see potential in discarded items. Together, we co-designed a curriculum and its underlying data structure. Check the reuse city page to learn more.
You can also check more information here.
Project outputs
All research data and outputs are published openly under open licenses, enabling communities and organisations worldwide to adapt and build on this work.
Check out the project's outputs:
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Funded by the Hans Sauer Foundation under the program “Citizen Science for Actions!”
