Why do we see some reused materials as smart and sustainable, and others as gross or untrustworthy? What makes something feel “dirty,” even if it’s safe or useful?
This webinar explores how cultural ideas of clean and dirty, based on anthropologist Mary Douglas’s classic book Purity and Danger, affect the way we design, reuse, and recycle.
Using insights from design anthropology, we’ll look at how these deep cultural beliefs can either support or block the shift to a circular economy. We’ll explore real-life examples in fashion, architecture, and product design – and ask how designers can challenge taboos and rethink waste.
You’ll learn:
What "purity and danger" mean in modern designWhy some recycled materials are seen as valuable, and others are rejectedHow to spot cultural barriers to circular thinkingWays design can reshape how we see waste and value
Who should join?
Designers, students, sustainability experts, and anyone curious about the cultural side of circular economy.
Why join?
Because making circular design work isn’t just about better materials, it’s about changing the perspective and understanding the cultural context of consumerism.
About:
Anna Haverinen is a design anthropologist and the founder of Havainna, an agency that helps organizations understand human behavior, culture, and change. She works at the intersection of design and anthropology, exploring how beliefs, habits, and everyday practices shape the way we live, consume, and make decisions. Anna has a PhD. In Digital Culture studies, a background in classical anthropology, and the past 16 years has been working in award winning service design and It consultancies.
