Founding Member Spotlight

Temple University

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Temple University’s Office of Sustainability serves as a valuable resource to the Temple community by driving sustainability forward on campus and providing opportunities for students and the wider campus community to learn about and engage with the circular economy. In the Philadelphia region, they are a leading university in advancing circular practices, and their Temple Thrift program, which happens every fall, makes reuse visible and desirable.

Why did you become a founding member?

Temple University’s Office of Sustainability is committed to providing students and community members with opportunities to shape a just climate future for all. We are always looking for ways to inspire future leaders to think beyond traditional systems and create innovative solutions for the future. Circular Philadelphia supports this vision, through advocacy, engagement, and educational opportunities for Temple community members. Additionally, Circular Philadelphia is a tremendous resource for professional staff at Temple because it provides a way for individuals and organizations to come together to share ideas and collaborate on projects that have the potential to positively impact the city that where we live, work, and love.

What does a circular economy mean to your organization?

Temple University has a responsibility to identify opportunities to support circularity in the operations of our campuses as well as seek out businesses that are committed to business practices that support a circular economy.

How is your organization practicing circularity?

Temple Office of Sustainability organizes Temple Thrift every Fall. The inventory sold at the thrift is made up entirely from clothing donations from students moving out of Temple housing the previous spring semester. Temple Sustainability and Temple’s world-renowned Glass Department is collaborating to invest in systems that will allow waste glass to be reused by students in the glass program. Lastly, Temple’s in-house building and design team source building materials from companies that have a cradle-to-cradle business model.

How can others advance the circular economy?

Collaboration and community. Find someone who is doing what you want to do and talk to them about their experience. If you want to innovate a new system, build a diverse team that is passionate about circularity. Lastly, you should become a member of Circular Philadelphia.