8 Ways the Circular Economy Will Transform how Business is Done
The circular economy produces goods and services that can be seen as superior in more ways than just the minimization of waste. Benefits of a “circular” business model above a “linear” or traditional approach include better customer support, lower costs and greater resilience, among other advantages. Businesses that don’t adopt a circular approach may see […]
How can a Circular Economy help Reduce Railways’ Scope 3 Emissions?
Railways must reduce emissions by 6 percent per year to reach Net Zero by 2050. While railways are one of the most energy-efficient ways to move both people and freight, they must still significantly cut their carbon footprint to meet sustainability targets. According to the IEA, railways must reduce their emissions by 6 percent per […]
Rounding the Corner: Towards a Circular Economy in Canada
Canada repeatedly ranks in the top ten waste-producing countries globally. (1) Much of Canada’s waste piles up in landfills. (2) Ontario is expected to run out of landfill capacity by 2032, and even sooner if the United States prevents Ontario’s waste from crossing the border. (3) Excessive waste is a hallmark of a modern, linear […]
From ‘Recyclable’ to ‘Recycled’: Process Innovation Makes the Circular Economy Real
You’ve seen the photos. Mountains of plastic trash on land; islands of plastic trash floating on the sea; wildlife encumbered by plastic; protestors calling for bans on plastics—and legislators listening and acting. On the other hand, plastics are incredibly useful polymers—strong, relatively light, and durable, they enable a world of life enhancing and life-saving applications. […]
Making Recycling Fun
When students actively learn through fun and engaging experiences, they have a better chance of retaining that learned knowledge and incorporating it into various aspects of their lives. And when it comes to learning about recycling, it can make a big difference – not only at school but also at home and in their community. […]
Plastics: A Surprising Lodestar for the Circular Economy
Look around you. Literally, take a moment and scan your surroundings. Whoever you are and wherever you are, I bet you are surrounded by items made of plastics. Additionally, I would venture to guess that you would not take kindly to suddenly losing access to them. Whether you are a firefighter at the station waiting […]
Council of the Great Lakes Region Releases Bi-National Circular Great Lakes Strategy and Action Plan for Plastic Packaging Waste and Litter
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JUNE 28TH, 2022 CHICAGO, IL / June 28, 2022 – Today, the Council of the Great Lakes Region (CGLR), as part of its Circular Great Lakes initiative, released an innovative five-year circular economy strategy and action plan for plastics. The organization worked in collaboration with a number of corporate stakeholders in the […]
The Road to Net Zero: How Manufacturers Can Prepare For a Zero-Carbon Future
Consensus can often be difficult to reach. Whether around public policy or business actions, there are usually differing views, priorities and objectives that need to be aligned to reach agreement. As we look towards the future of manufacturing, there is one area where all stakeholders in the sector are united: the critical importance of decarbonizing […]
Bringing Circularity to the Great Lakes Region and Beyond
As we consider the path to a more sustainable future for our region and world, we are faced with the challenge of navigating the way forward. One thing is certain: the process must be inclusive and empower everyone to be part of the solution. The way to make that happen? Build a circular economy. Circular […]
Recovery, Resiliency, Regeneration:
The Path to a Circular Economy in the Great Lakes Region
Climate change and the circular economy are inextricably linked. We cannot address one without the other. The tr.ansition requires recovery, resilience, and regeneration