How can the choices we make in everyday life contribute to a better future? That was the question explored by participants at Åsa during two themed sustainability weeks filled with lectures, workshops and practical environmental initiatives.

“No one can do everything. But everyone can do something.”

That is the message from the school’s Sustainability forum, consisting of Charlotte Kvarnhem, Elina Wieser and Catarina Salomonsson. They were responsible for planning the activities during the weeks.

The aim was to inspire environmental and climate responsibility, encourage conscious choices, and demonstrate that everyone can contribute to a more sustainable future.

Here is a look at what took place during the weeks:

Inner sustainability

The themed weeks began with a well-received guest appearance by Eva Wells, who delivered the lecture “Sustainability is an Inside Job” in English. Wells’ message is that sustainability is not only about environmental issues, but also about people’s values and attitudes.

Eva Wells has roots in the hippie movement and was introduced through it to the Indian Bhagwan movement. During the 1980s, Wells took part in the movement’s communal society-building project in Oregon, USA. After returning to Sweden, she has worked with training programmes in areas including existential leadership and women’s entrepreneurship.

Food waste put on the scales

During weeks 38 and 39, the school’s lunch guests were encouraged to reduce food waste. The result raised more than a few eyebrows.

By the end of week 38, a total of 21.45 kilograms of leftover food had been discarded. The largest amount of waste was recorded on Wednesday, when 6.8 kilograms ended up in the food waste bin.

Many found this surprising, as Wednesday’s fish dishes are by far the most popular among lunch guests.

– When I worked as a chef, I learned that the tastier the food is, the more waste there often is. When people really enjoy a meal, they tend to take more than they can finish, said Catarina Salomonsson on the results.

The following week, food waste decreased to 20.7 kilograms. The difference was small, but it was a step in the right direction. It should be noted, however, that the measurements only covered lunches and did not include the school’s breakfasts or evening meals.

– This is something we can improve, Catarina concluded.

Patches, seeds and bird boxes

Alongside Eva Wells’ lecture on Monday, a seminar focused on clothing was held, covering production, consumption patterns, and how the environmental and climate impacts of the fashion industry can be reduced.

Our clothing and also food consumption were among the topics explored during a guest lecture by the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (Naturskyddsföreningen) in the final sustainability week. Jean Fridh and Liselotte Elen from the Katrineholm branch visited Åsa to talk about the local association’s work and activities.

The day after Wells’ lecture, participants were invited to bring damaged garments from home to mend and repair together with Elina Wieser. At the Sustainability Shelf outside the Å Hall, needles and thread took centre stage as worn clothing was given a new lease of life.

In the same location the following day, Charlotte Kvarnhem introduced participants to guerrilla sowing, explaining how “seed bombing” can help increase biodiversity in places such as roadside verges, neglected flower beds and vacant plots.

The Sustainability Shelf also served as an information point for teacher Dennis Aldelöv’s presentation of the annual school birdhouse-building competition organised by the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation.

Workshop on eco-labelling

On the Monday of the second week, participants from the Sigrid course and the SMF Language course came together for a workshop on environmental labelling. Elina and Catarina presented everyday products carrying different kinds of labels to demonstrate how consumers can make more sustainable choices.

Discussions covered topics such as recycling, the purpose of eco-labels, and what they actually tell us about food products, chemical products and their impact on the environment.

A film for change

The same day, the documentary film ”Outgrow the System” was screened for the school’s English-speaking participants. Produced by Teater K in Katrineholm, the film has previously been shown at the school, including during the Åsadalen democracy festival in 2025.

As on previous occasions, the screening was introduced by one of the film’s directors, Anders Nilsson.

The film argues that the climate crisis cannot be solved within the framework of today’s economic system. Through interviews with researchers and experts, it explores alternative models for future societies and economies.

Lecture on drought

The future was also the focus of a thought-provoking lecture given by Qamar Muhyidin Hassan from the Saga general course. The presentation examined the consequences of climate change in Somalia, the country Qamar comes from.

Qamar described how prolonged droughts, severe flooding and increasing desertification have made it more difficult for people to make a living.

At the same time, Qamar emphasised that the situation is not hopeless. Through reforestation, improved water management and shared responsibility, it is possible to limit the damage and restore parts of the degraded environment.

The lecture combined facts about climate change with personal experiences from areas that have been heavily affected.

Clothes swap day ending

The sustainability weeks conclude on Friday 1 October with a clothes swap day organised by Catarina.

Swapping clothes is a simple way to give old garments a new purpose, reduce consumption, and demonstrate that sustainability often begins with the small choices we make in everyday life.

Text and photos: Henrik Wising