Zero Waste Conference - 2020 Sessions

2020 Conference Sessions

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 Keynote

As a neuroscientist and entrepreneur, Beau Lotto’s work holds important lessons for us about how to embrace uncertainty and function under conditions of unpredictability. Lotto has used his understanding of the human brain and behavior to assist brands and governments foster creativity and innovation; can the same approach be used to accelerate the change to a circular economy?

New 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.

The 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.

2020 Sessions

2020 Conference Sessions

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