 “'Having good data and metrics for measuring baselines and progress is absolutely crucial, and in the circular economy space it’s a challenge,' Morlet said, adding that it is something the foundation has been working on for a number of years." "Linear supply chains are a significant threat to the future of our planet in terms of biodiversity loss, pollution and global warming." "While the free-to-use tool will initially be used internally by companies to measure their circular economy performance against other companies in the same industry, using an A+ to E scoring system, in future it could evolve into a benchmark that could be available to ESG investors, in the same way that companies are scored on their climate, water and deforestation risk through the data they supply to CDP."
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  We're excited to be working on a slate of unique and relevant content for you at the RCBC 46th Annual Conference on Circular Economy. The theme this year: 20/20 Foresight: Transforming Tomorrow:
Keynote On the Road Ahead On June 11, we kick off the morning with an opening keynote from Bryan Buggey, Director, Vancouver Economic Commission. Known for his beliefs that the transition to a low-carbon circular economy is a massive economic opportunity, Bryan shares his thoughts about the progressive municipal, regional, provincial and federal priorities related to climate and the economy. Hear how Vancouver’s integrated Greenest City Action Plan, Renewable City 2050, Zero Waste 2040, and the response to the 2019 declared Climate Emergency, fit into the local business community. Bryan outlines how the Vancouver Economic Commission is accelerating the transition by supporting innovation, trade, investment and the move to a circular economy. Participate in a Town Hall We're excited to expand upon last year's successful town hall on a whole new level. This year delegates from nonprofits, government, and industry sectors will caucus with peers on the afternoon of June 10 to unify their voices in a roundtable discussion on waste reduction and circular economic policy issues. The three groups will then gather to provide the town hall a cross-pollination of ideas in plenary. You’ll gain valuable insight and feedback from this dialogue to inform your own decision making process. Join our holistic policy advocacy approach and be part of the collaboration that builds the realities of a greener tomorrow together. A Focus on Plastics Waste Waste plastics is on everyone's mind in Canada these days, not just B.C. Building off our compostable plastics workshop facilitated last November, we’ll feature an expert panel (scientists, processors, local government) to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the national attention given this global-scale issue. We'll also provide any updates from the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment's (CCME) plan on zero waste plastic to understand the best opportunity to tackle plastic packaging through a systems-wide approach. These are just some of the exciting events we have planned; stay tuned as we share more in the following months!  "Today, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, and the Minister of Health, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, published the Draft Science Assessment of Plastic Pollution, which sheds light on the extent of the plastic pollution problem in Canada. The Assessment confirms that larger plastic items like bags and straws can physically harm animals and negatively affect their habitat. Wildlife worldwide are injured or die when they mistake plastic for food or become entangled. The report also highlights microplastic pollution, noting evidence of negative effects on animals and the environment and uncertainties regarding the potential for effects on humans, which require more research. That is why, the Government of Canada will further invest in research that will help expand our understanding of the impacts of plastic. Scientists are invited to apply for funding." “Science confirms that plastic pollution is everywhere and is negatively impacting our environment. This assessment will inform our decisions as our government follows through on our commitment to ban harmful single-use plastics as soon as 2021 because Canadians expect us to.” "This draft science assessment of plastic pollution will help inform the Government of Canada’s actions and policies as it follows through on its commitment to ban harmful single-use plastics. The Government is working to have new regulations in place as early as 2021, where supported by scientific evidence and warranted.
The Draft Science Assessment of Plastic Pollution will be published on January 31, 2020, in Part I of the Canada Gazette for a 60-day public comment period. Public comments will inform the final science assessment."  Interested in a fancy bottle of wine to support our organization? The RCBC "Cheers to Charity" Wine Draw is back by popular demand, this time sponsored by the Major Appliance Recycling Roundtable (MARR)!
Visit the RCBC Registration Desk to purchase your raffle ticket. Everyone is guaranteed to go home with something great, with the highest bottle valued at $149. Thanks to Jak's Beer Wine Spirits and The Drinks List for their generous donations of 25 amazing bottles for 25 years of EPR. Sales begin on Wednesday through Thursday, but act fast--last year they sold out quick! RCBC's 45th Annual Conference is less than two days away! Here are some friendly reminders on how to make your conference experience as rewarding as possible.
Registration The conference registration desk in the Emerald Foyer opens on Wednesday, May 8 at 9:00 am and will remain open during presentation hours for the duration of the event. The registration desk is information central, so feel free to pop by with any questions you may have. Our staff would be more than happy to help you. Pick up your delegate name badge here when you arrive. Bring your name badge to all conference events. This is your ticket for the Gala Dinner and also if you have signed up for the Friday take-home lunch. At the back of your name tag are a quick-guide schedule and your complimentary drink tickets. All conference sessions will be in Emerald Ballroom AB. The trade show is located in Emerald Ballroom C. This year's name badge lanyards are provided by Fairware's Lanyard Library. As they are borrowed, we need everyone's participation to return 100% of all lanyards used for this event. Drop off your name badge and lanyard at the Registration Desk before you leave the event. Thank you to Blue Planet Recycling for sponsoring this year's registration table! Check the full schedule on the RCBC 2019 Event App or on rcbcconference.ca Connect Before and During! Delegates List Know before you go! Check out this year's Delegate's List and see who'll be there in Whistler. Trade Show Network at this year's exhibition and tradeshow! Located in Emerald Ballroom C, the Wednesday/Thursday receptions and session refreshment breaks will take place here. The show opens at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8 and will remain open for the duration of the event. Follow Us Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for conference updates before, after, and during the event. #RCBC2019 is the official conference hashtag--follow it for all latest conference happenings. Check Your Daily Reminders We've planned a host of activities over the three-day conference--be sure to check your email daily to find out event details for each day. What should I wear? In case you're wondering whether you should wear to this event, keep it simple and business casual is a good guide. Friday Lunch If you plan on leaving early on Friday, May 10 and would like a take-home lunch, please let us know. We can arrange to have your lunch ready earlier in the morning. Venue Reminders Address: 4090 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC V0N 1B4 Hotel Check-In Check-in at the Westin Resort Whistler is 4:00 p.m. The hotel can provide you with checked luggage service, freeing you to explore the area until your room is available. Parking at the Westin Resort Whistler Underground self-parking at the Westin Resort Whistler is currently available for $30.00 per night and Valet parking is $34.00 per night. Parking fees are subject to change. For additional parking options in Whistler, check this page. Internet Access There is complimentary WIFI for all RCBC delegates. Password: RCBC2019 Other Reminders Getting There There are various ways you can get to Whistler from the Lower Mainland:
For the latest forecast, click here. Activities If you’ve got some spare time in Whistler, take full advantage of all that’s available. Activities, dining, and adventures abound – find yours here. Wednesday Dinner There’s no dinner provided on Wednesday evening, but not to worry--Whistler has plenty to offer no matter what you’re craving. Check out dining options in Whistler. Thank you for attending #RCBC2019. We look forward to seeing you in Whistler! Safe Travelling to Whistler.  In preparation for the Multi-Sector Town Hall discussion at #RCBC2019, we conducted a preliminary survey with non-profits, government, business, and individuals to gain insight into what delegates found to be important issues. Based on the results, here are the identified categories:
For a full graphical breakdown of the results, click HERE: rcbc_2019_town_hall_surveys_infographic_condensed.pdf For the raw data of the survey results, click HERE: rcbc_2019_town_hall_survey_raw_results.docx  The #RCBC2019 Conference smartphone app is now live and available for download. Download it to get the latest in speaker bios, presentation summaries, exhibitor profiles, event notifications, and much more. On social media, feel free to use #RCBC2019 as the main hashtag for all happenings related to the conference.
We look forward to connecting with delegates at Whistler in a few weeks' time! Download for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rcbc.confrz6byk Download for Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/rcbc-2019/id1459497889?mt=8  Image by Lyle Stafford, Times Colonist. Synergy Sustainability Institute will be presenting at #RCBC2019 on their efforts to catalyze local developments towards a #CircularEconomy:
“'We are hoping this will generate some great buzz for green business on Vancouver Island and showcase what we can do when we think of waste as a resource rather than as something that ends up in a landfill,' said Jen Fraser, Project Zero’s director of development. Project Zero, a major push from the Synergy Sustainability Institute, is about exploring what’s possible in a circular economy — one that shares more than it owns, supports products that are made and repaired locally, and in which someone’s waste is another’s resource." Read the Full Article Here Source: Times Colonist  "A design-led circular economy approach to developing sustainable smart cities must permeate everything from city planning to procurement. Integral to this change is a shift in how city authorities view return on investment. Too often, the prime focus is placed on the initial capital expenditure and not on costs over the lifetime of the solution. Once we take into consideration wider benefits such as sustainability, efficiency and profitability, a design-led circular approach to upgrading or refurbishing buildings throughout their lifetime can achieve a better ROI, increase the value of assets, reduce operational costs and significantly reduce the consumption of natural resources."
Read the Full Article Here Source: Open Access Government  "Circularity is a hot topic nowadays — and it’s impossible to avoid. Just look at all the Loop articles and ads you’ve seen in the past month or so on circularity of consumer goods. It practically flooded the newsfeeds on sustainability for a few weeks whether you liked it or not.
But what does it mean for consumers not to have the slightest idea what circularity means? A key point I preach all the time is that having an environmental or social mission isn’t enough. You have to be able to effectively communicate it to consumers, and that doesn’t always come easy." Read the FULL Article HERE Source: GreenBiz.com |
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