Theme: Waste
The Waste theme delves into the comprehensive management of waste products generated by human activities, advocating for the prevention, reduction, and sustainable handling of waste. It champions the principles of the circular economy—reduce, reuse, recycle, and replace—encouraging a shift from the traditional linear approach to a more sustainable, circular system of material use. This theme underscores the importance of thoughtful design, consumption, processing, and disposal practices that minimize environmental impact.
In the Edmonton Biosphere Eco-City framework, Waste is a critical area of focus, reflecting our commitment to transforming how society deals with waste. By emphasizing the entire lifecycle of materials, this theme encourages innovative approaches to waste management that align with the principles of a circular economy. Initiatives like reducing plastic use, promoting composting and recycling, safely handling toxic materials, and leveraging waste-to-energy technologies exemplify the kind of systemic change necessary for sustainable waste management.
The theme also highlights the importance of needs-based consumption—encouraging individuals and organizations to critically assess their needs to minimize waste production. Cities around the world, such as Curitiba, Ottawa, and Nantes, serve as inspiring examples of how innovative waste management practices can lead to significant environmental and economic benefits.
We invite you to share your waste-related projects or initiatives in our Database of Sustainability Projects. Whether it’s a community recycling program, a local clean-up effort, or an innovative approach to reducing waste in manufacturing, your contributions can inspire others and demonstrate the power of collective action in moving towards a more sustainable and waste-resilient society. Together, we can pave the way for a future where waste is not seen as an end product but as a resource for new beginnings.