The Consulates General of Finland, Norway, and Denmark in Shanghai teamed on Saturday 23 March up with Chinese sustainable brand HowBottle to host a youth seminar and upcycling workshop focused on sustainability and the circular economy.
Companies from the three Nordic countries shared their sustainability practices with young participants, highlighting practical solutions to climate challenges. The day concluded with a hands-on workshop, where old tote bags were creatively transformed into pencil cases — offering the youth a tangible experience in upcycling and waste reduction.
“Empowering the next generation with the knowledge and tools to tackle climate challenges is crucial for shaping a sustainable future,” said Anu Vuori, Consul General of Finland in Shanghai.
“Youth-led initiatives foster creativity but also build a sense of global responsibility, encouraging collaboration across cultures to protect our planet for generations to come.”
The week prior to the workshop, the three Nordic Consuls General visited HowBottle’s sustainable store in Shanghai to explore how the company repurposes discarded plastic bottles into durable, wearable fabrics. The visit was part of the Nordics for Climate Action youth campaign launched in the city on 10 March.
According to the Norwegian Embassy’s Instagram post, the Consuls General each contributed an eco-bag to HowBottle’s recycling box — bags that were later repurposed during the Nordic Day youth workshop. The visit also included a dialogue with two environmentally active students, who exchanged views with the diplomats on sustainable living practices in both China and the Nordic region.
As the Norwegian post put it: “Sustainability is a shared journey — not only Nordics for Climate Action, but Together for Climate Action!”
