2018 Zero Waste Conference Promo from Metro Vancouver on Vimeo.
For our eighth year, we had to face facts. There was too much incredible work being done on zero waste and the circular economy. We couldn’t fit it all into just one day.
So we added another half-day of speakers, panelists, and presentations – to deliver an even bigger perspective on the fast-approaching world of the closed-loop, circular economy. Here’s a look at the vital topics we’ll be examining:
Versatile, Vexing Plastic
Plastics is a big part of the ocean pollution problem with today’s make-take-dispose economic model. That’s why we’ve made it a big part of Day Two of our conference. As our keynotes and panelists will show, plastics can also be part of the solution.
Expect to come away with a better understanding of the plastics landscape and the future of this ubiquitous, versatile, but currently vexing material – through the eye-opening ocean plastic research of Chelsea Rochman of the University of Toronto’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, key perspectives from Canada’s National Zero Waste Council and Circular Economy Leadership Coalition, examples of success with our Canadian Innovation Showcase, and a vital government point-of-view, from our morning keynote Dr. Stephen Lucas, Deputy Minister, Environment and Climate Change Canada.
We will also hear from Sonja Wegge, Project Manager for the New Plastics Economy, Ellen MacArthur Foundation; Matthew Fraser, Senior Project Manager, Cities Programme, Circle Economy; and Daniella Russo, CEO & Founder, Think Beyond Plastic™ bringing their global perspective to a panel discussion examining Canada and the EU’s Oceans Plastic Charter, NGO efforts, and some of the ways innovative businesses are looking at circular solutions to keep plastics in the economy and out of nature.
The Path Forward for Canada
A path toward the circular economy is being laid for Canada. Some of the biggest brands in your shopping basket are helping blaze the trail. The Circular Economy Leadership Coalition brings them together, as a national alliance of Canadian leaders working together for the advancement of a circular economy
We will hear from CELC leaders about what’s in store as this important organization gains momentum and influence, and we’ll also provide opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ideas on the path forward in Canada, with online Q and A opportunities with speakers and panelists during this session and throughout the conference.
Expert Perspectives Deliver Circular Insights
This year we’ll be hosting a dynamic round table close-of-conference discussion with select keynotes, presenters, and panelists. It’s a fantastic opportunity to hear the ideas and actions highlighted throughout the event synthesized by circular economy leaders like Dr Wayne Visser, Professor of Integrated Value & Chair of Sustainable Transformation, Antwerp Management School
New Solutions for a Changing World
So many factors and trends are impacting our economy, environment, and culture at present. It’s a new world, demanding new solutions. The 2018 Zero Waste Conference is a great place to find them. Register now and join us on the journey to a circular economy.
