Jo-Anne St. Godard
Executive Director, Circular Innovation Council
In order to reduce our environmental impact and adapt to climate change, Canadians must reexamine how they purchase, consume, and dispose. Enter the circular economy, which re-engages consumption and production beyond our current linear model (take-make-waste) by decoupling economic growth from resource use.
Since 1978, Circular Innovation Council, a national not-for-profit, has focused on a more environmental and economical way of redefining waste and reintegrating it back into production as valued resources. We believe that by putting circular economy concepts into action through collaboration and inclusion, we discover solutions that preserve nature and design waste out of production and consumption.
Circularity has the ability to improve the value of natural resources, reduce carbon emissions, and eliminate waste. It encourages innovation in product design and business delivery systems. Transitioning to a circular economy doesn’t balance economic, environment, and social priorities in isolation: it delivers them simultaneously.
Waste Reduction Week in Canada, the long-running historic predecessor to Circular Economy Month, began in the mid-1980’s. Launched by Circular Innovation Council, Circular Economy Month is Canada’s first-ever public awareness campaign dedicated to educating and empowering Canadians to support an economy that delivers on the most important values of Canadians: protecting the planet and prioritizing people. It has become the marquee educational program engaging and empowering Canadians from all corners of the country; youth, educators, policymakers, businesses, and communities.
For 20 years, Waste Reduction Week focused on the concepts of waste reduction and recycling as a key component of our transition to a circular economy. However, educating Canadians on this new model of consumption involves more than just one week. That’s why we extended Waste Reduction Week in Canada into Circular Economy Month, a month-long campaign in October that educates and excites Canadians about the opportunities and benefits of the circular economy.
While the educational campaign is most active during October, Canadians can engage with Circular Economy Month throughout the year. In 2023, you can look forward to an exciting contest, webinar and more happening in the new year. More to come, so stay tuned to Circular Economy Month’s social media channels and subscribe to the mailing list to receive program updates to your inbox!
Circular Economy Month, with its year-round resources and programs, plays a pivotal role in cultivating a sense of community among individuals, governments, and businesses committed to sustainable practices. It stands as a testament to the power of collective action and sustained commitment. As we navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world, initiatives like Circular Economy Month serve as guiding lights, illuminating the path towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
Learn more at circularinnovation.ca.
