Celebrating Circular Economy Month

October is coming to a close. This has been an important four weeks: Circular Economy Month.

We look forward to this month every year. It’s an opportunity to draw attention to the importance of circularity, take action and celebrate. After, all, it is crucial we move away from the linear economy of take-make-dispose. Instead, a circular economy focuses on designing out waste, recirculating materials and regenerating nature.

Quantum is always busy at this time of year. We get called on to speak on the circular economy, do collection events and participate in customer showcases.

Quantum also runs an employee event, with this year being a 10 Day Circular Challenge (see our action card below!).

We’re launching our F2024 Impact Report on Wednesday – so watch for it on socials.

On The Circular Future podcast, we have featured two innovators: Circular Innovation Council and Hamilton Health Sciences .

Bottom line: thank you for all that you do – actions big and small – to support a circular future.

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Key Takeaways from our Latest Podcasts

EP39: Celebrating Circular Economy Month

In this episode, host Stephanie McLarty discusses how Circular Economy Month came to be and what’s in store with guests Caitlin Perry and Audrey Manuel from the Circular Innovation Council .

Key Takeaways:

• The celebration used to be on Waste Reduction Week, but now there is a broader focus on the circular economy, emphasizing the importance of systemic change in consumption and waste management.
• There are different themes every week, with Waste Reduction Week being the third week of October.
• Both individuals and businesses can get involved. There are resources for each on the Circular Economy Month website, including social media posts.
• Everyone can get involved by signing the pledge.?

Listen to the full episode on our website, Apple or Spotify.

EP40: Hamilton Health Sciences: A Success Story in Sustainability

Stephanie McLarty interviews Victoria B. and Evelina W on how Hamilton Health Sciences is achieving impressive sustainability results, far above their peers.

Key Takeaways:

• Healthcare makes up 5% of global greenhouse emissions.
• Hamilton Health Sciences has reduced their emissions by 49% since 2016 and implemented various waste reduction programs.
• They have digitized patient records, resulting in a 200 metric ton reduction in paper use.
• Collaboration with stakeholders and fostering engagement and interest in sustainability initiatives have been key to their success.

Listen to the full episode on our website, Apple or Spotify.

Subscribe to our podcast on Apple or Spotify to get the latest episodes.

Trends + News We’re Watching

• Free resources and event ideas are available for celebrating the circular economy. Circular Innovation Council has put together a Resource Library, including social media posts, to make it easy for businesses to share and take action. There is also an Event page, where you can flip through events and even get ideas for next year.
• Survey shows 99% of insurers have climate goals of their own. The insurance industry is being battered by climate change, but they are also responding with an unwatering commitment . Nearly all insurers have climate transition goals, with more than half having net zero goals. Most signal they are increasingly investing in a low carbon transition. Read more here. ?

In the Know

Connect with Quantum at the following conferences in the next month:

• Recycling Council of Alberta Conference in Banff, Alberta – October 30 – November 1
• Rural Municipalities of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta – November 4-7 ?

And remember…

Need help with remarketing or recycling your redundant IT equipment?

We’d love to chat. Send us a message or contact us through the Quantum website.

Thank you for being a circular future champion in your company and beyond.