October is Circular Economy Month in Canada.  

A circular economy is a new model of production and consumption designed to keep materials at their highest utility and value throughout their lifecycle. By repairing broken items, and buying and selling used items, we can prolong the lifespan of goods, share what we have and ultimately reduce our waste to landfill. 

The average British Columbian produces 549 kg per person of garbage in a year—roughly the weight of a horse. Here in Whistler, we have already reduced to the equivalent of 325 kg per person. When we focus, we achieve big action—but there’s more to be done.  

Help us achieve Whistler’s Big Move 6 by closing the loop and shifting toward lower carbon consumption. We are now trying to reduce our waste by 80 per cent from nearly 12,000 tonnes trashed in 2019 to 2,400 tonnes by 2030. 

Ready to take action? Try one or some of these Small Steps for BIG MOVES to support a circular economy. Remember, the best way to reduce waste is to avoid creating it in the first place. 

Be Conscious About Clothing: Re-Wear, Care and Share 

On average, we only wear 50 per cent of our clothes. The rest sit unused in our closets. Simply wearing our clothes more is the most direct action we can take to capture value and design out waste and pollution in the textiles system. Clothing can often be repaired or reimagined to prolong its lifespan.  

Make the most of what you’ve got: 

• Drop ‘fast fashion’ in favour of clothing that lasts and is based on timeless styles 
• Donate to/buy from the Re-Use-It-Centre (you will also be supporting WCSS programs like the Foodbank) 
• Check out Whistler’s consignment, vintage and ‘previously loved’ clothing stores 

Restore, Repurpose, Repair Your Goods 

Could a new varnish or fresh coat of paint bring an item back to life? Can that comfy couch be re-covered? Could that old dresser become a workbench? There are lots of ways to extend the life of furnishings.  

Get creative: 

• Check out the Re-Build-It-Centre for secondhand furnishings   
• Watch for community repair cafes and collective garage sales—see below for upcoming events 
• Get tools for your projects at the WCSS Tool Library 

Upcoming Events 

AWARE and the RMOW are hosting multiple events in Whistler this month to help promote a circular economy:   

• Thursday, October 12 – Fall Clothing Swap 
• Sunday, October 15 – Fall Community Garage Sale 
• Saturday, October 21 – Repair Café 

We look forward to seeing you at these events to help our community reduce its consumption and make better use of what we already own or can share. 

Photo credit: iStock – lolostock