Zero Waste Conference

2020 Conference Session Videos

Disruptive times can be the kindling that fuels both creativity and innovation. The circular economy offers a solution. By designing out waste, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems, it creates vital opportunities for economic growth that also restore the environment, create jobs, and benefit society.

Leading businesses and governments have already taken important steps towards building a circular, zero waste economy and now is the time to build on this momentum and do more, not less.

As the world faces unprecedented challenges, we are more committed than ever to accelerating the transition to a circular economy, creating solutions that combine economic opportunity with benefits to wider society and the environment.

Opening & Closing Remarks

Thriving in an Ever-Changing World

Life is rapidly changing, challenging each of us to adapt to an increasingly uncertain world. But for those of us passionate about systems change and innovation, these are also times of great opportunity.

Circular Economy Innovators & Entrepreneurs

If you’ve been searching for practical examples of the circular economy in action, you need look no further than the two trailblazing companies featured in this session. Learn how business leaders are forging ahead with innovative circular economy business models and finding commercial success.

Next Generation Materials

Do the products we use have to stress natural systems? Could we create new systems and develop new materials that serve a purpose and could at end of life regenerate and restore nature? Within the session, we will also take a deep dive into plastics through a solutions lab to examine the ways to reduce the environmental destruction of this ubiquitous material – through old habits and new innovations.

Solving the Plastics Challenge in One Generation

Join us for a keynote conversation with Peter Schiefke, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dr. Chelsea Rochman, a leading scientist in marine ecology, and Horacio Barbeito, President & CEO of Walmart Canada, to explore how Canada can rise to the challenge of tackling plastic pollution in one generation.

Built Environment

The Built Environment is at the forefront of climate change & waste generation: it is expected that 68% of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2050. This rapid growth will require the construction of billions of new buildings. Meanwhile, estimates indicate that the construction industry makes up half of our global GHG emissions, and in North America, consumes about 40% of raw materials. This session will dive into the increasing opportunities to re-imagine the built environment for the better.

Build Back Better

The COVID 19 pandemic has radically changed our world, our perspective and our relationships – to each other and to nature. We have come to understand how nested our lives are in a network of personal, institutional and natural relationships. Enabling a transition to the circular economy is crucial. New opportunities for restoring nature, creating new jobs and incomes that will benefit society.

Closing Keynote

The destructive impact humans are having on the earth – land, oceans and atmosphere – is clearly apparent. Katie is a storyteller and designer and will share how she believes that craft can save the world. She will share how designers are exploring the potential of increasingly plentiful waste streams to become the raw materials of the future. When trash becomes treasure, we create space to restore nature and re-invigorate our communities.

The Zero Waste Conference is proud to welcome as a sponsor

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Metro Vancouver respects the diverse and distinct histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, which collectively enrich our lives and the region.