What is Zero Waste and why is it important to the Circular Economy?

Zero Waste is about the reduction, reuse and repurposing of stuff. 

Circular Economy is about designing out waste and pollution at product inception. 

Together they can ignite a systematic change. 

Today’s economic models are linear, they examine product life cycles from conception through consumer use and finally, disposal. Point A to point B. But, they fail to recognize the cyclical potential of products and of the regenerative power that is possible by reimagining HOW and WHY we create ‘stuff’. Through examining zero waste initiatives as they relate to the circular economy, we can work together to imagine ways to build waste OUT and build disruption IN to these models. 

Creating a shift in the system will require the collective action of individuals, businesses and governments. This will require not only a shift in our collective behaviours, but in the normalized and unconscious social practices that have become embedded within the cultural, social, and political contexts of our communities. Together, we can work to rethink, redesign and refocus the ways through which we understand and participate in the circular economy. 

Since these declarations are largely symbolic, we ask: 

• What behavioral shifts can we encourage within zero waste initiatives to create a lasting impact on the  circular economy model throughout Metro Vancouver?
• What opportunities are there for environmental, economic and social interventions when we think about zero waste?
• How can youth voice their concerns and meaningfully engage with local governments to put forth innovations that create change at the local level?
• What opportunities are there to leverage zero waste initiatives to support a just and green economic recovery that creates inclusive local jobs, including those for youth?
• Who is traditionally missing from conversations around ‘zero waste’ and how do we embed a strong equity lens within this work?

These questions drove the theme of our third Envirolab cohort, where we explored the challenges and opportunities for cities across Metro Vancouver to proactively work with youth to think creatively about ways we can design waste out. By learning with and from experts in the fields of local governance, circular and sharing economies, community engagement, infrastructure, and more, participants were equipped to design projects, actions, and/or products that address the urgency of our economy to rethink and refocus what it means to be a part of the circular economy. 

CityHive would like to thank our Steering Committee partners for their support and guidance.

Session Dates

The 12 sessions and public launch event took place virtually on Wednesday evenings 6-9pm over the following dates:

Session 1 – November 18
Session 2 – November 25
Session 3 – December 2
Session 4 – December 9
Session 5 – December 16
Session 6 – January 6, 2021
Session 7 – January 13
Session 8 – January 20
Session 9 – January 27
Session 10 – February 3
Session 11 – February 10
Session 12 (BONUS + OPTIONAL) session – February 17
Final Event (PUBLIC PITCH) – February 24
Cohort Wrap Up – March 1

Envirolab Program Structure

With generous support from the Lawson Foundation and Vancity Community Foundation, CityHive is hosting 5 labs in the span of 3 years between 2019-2021. The first lab in Fall 2019 focused on Lighter Footprint, and the second lab in Spring 2020 on Climate Emergency. As our team at CityHive adapts to the COVID-19 pandemic, these sessions for lab 3 will be hosted virtually until further notice. 

Our Envirolab themes have been developed and selected with great support and insight from our Steering Committee partners. The themes represent some of the most relevant and pressing environmental gaps, opportunities and challenges existing within Metro Vancouver.