The Cradle to Cradle Creative Boxes Booklet

Translating the Cradle to Cradle concept from an inspiring vision to practical applications is frequently perceived as a challenge. Yet there are many examples already existing in the global market where companies are optimizing products and processes in accordance with the Cradle to Cradle design principles.

Early on in the C2CIslands project it was discussed how to make Cradle to Cradle more tangible for partners and their local stakeholders. Different approaches have been initiated so far, ranging from workshops organized in the local community to project descriptions in the national languages of the partners. Another approach has been to develop a collection of Cradle to Cradle product samples so that people can see and touch existing Cradle to Cradle products. EPEA developed extensive exhibits for the NUTEC fair in Frankfurt and other smaller exhibits, but instead of just copying these, the C2CIslands partners decided to have a toolbox with which to create their own exhibits. Thus the idea of ́Cradle to Cradle Creative Box ́ was born.

Creative Boxes contain product samples together with this booklet describing the product, whether it fits into the biosphere or the technosphere, and what else is Cradle to Cradle® about it. Many Cradle to Cradle certified products are too large to fit into a sample box, e.g. office chair, park bench, building materials etc. For these products, the creative box contains product brochures and descriptions in this booklet.

With this booklet and the samples from the creative box, partners can then develop their own activities with local stakeholders in their communities, such as ́show and tell ́ or individual exhibits.