New materials and zero waste designs. Innovations in deconstruction, recycling, repair, and reuse close the loop. What does it take to move beyond our “take-make-dispose” linear mode of thinking and into a circular model? Which innovations are redefining our relationship with stuff – designing and delivering goods in new and innovative ways, without the waste embedded in current production and consumption models? It all starts with materials and product design. Learn how inventors and pioneers in disruptive design are leading the way to the circular economy transition.

Plastics are remarkably convenient, inexpensive and useful. But their durability means plastic debris is everywhere. It is choking our oceans and its animals, and potentially moving toxins up the food chain. It represents a growing loss of economic value and source of avoidable greenhouse gases. Canada and the EU’s Oceans Plastic Charter, NGO efforts and innovative businesses are aiming at circular solutions to keep plastics in the economy and out of nature. In this special session we examine which approaches are working and how circular economy trends and innovations will impact our plastic use in the future.p>

When our systems fall out of alignment with our values, the stories we tell can bring new perspectives. Understanding the aspirations, ideals, and beliefs of our culture, examining new narratives for change, we discover the cultural triggers that manifest our highest ideals of community and stewardship – accelerating the journey to a circular economy. Throughout ZWC 2018 expect the concept of culture change and the methods for behaviour change in the general population to be a big part of our conversations.