Rochefort: Green November, the month of the circular economy

As Thierry Lesauvage admits, "It was the 35 partners who made proposals. The Caro (Communauté d'Agglomération de l'Oise) then coordinated everything." Green November is expanding from 20 events in 2024 to 60 this year, across 12 municipalities in the greater metropolitan area. The event attracts around 5,000 visitors and participants.

The hands-on workshops are particularly popular with the public. They will have the opportunity to learn how to repair and maintain their bicycles with the Vélo pour tous association, how to repair their household appliances and electronic devices at repair cafés with Les Ateliers partagés de l'Estuaire, and how to make cosmetics and cleaning products with La Boussole. Creativity will also be stimulated through an introduction to leatherwork, the creation of mobiles, photo frames, Christmas decorations, sewing, and upcycling fabric scraps and old clothes… There will also be gardening, a market of local producers and artisans, a climate mural, and many other events.

Responsible digital technology

For the first time this year, on November 15th, an "Install'party" will take place at the Palais des Congrès. Solutions for the end of Windows 10 security updates will be offered. Other operating systems besides Microsoft and several open-source software programs will then be presented. "This is responsible digital technology," says Aurélien Vélot, president of the Estuary Shared Workshops. "We are here to spread the word, provide support, and offer reassurance."

Another key event, from November 21st to 23rd, is the free zone, which typically attracts 1,000 to 2,000 people. Some drop off items, others pick them up. "Donors are happy to get rid of things they no longer use. Visitors are delighted to take advantage of it, especially before Christmas," summarizes Christophe Pernin, circular economy coordinator at Caro.

“The network of associations in Rochefort and the surrounding area is incredibly rich, but it struggles to gain recognition,” laments Christophe Pernin. “This event also serves to showcase it and to allow association members to talk to each other, exchange ideas, and learn how to complement each other within the region.” Ideally, he dreams that “Green November” will continue throughout the year. This is already more or less the case, as partner associations regularly organize workshops throughout the year that are part of this special initiative.