Circular Economy
Setting New Standards for Consumption
AWARE’s Circular Economy initiatives are all about building a culture of sustainability in our community—by promoting practices that give goods a longer life and cut down on waste.
The Challenges We Face
The linear economy—based on a “take, make, dispose” model—drives the depletion of natural resources, massive waste, and catastrophic environmental damage. Each year, the world generates over 2 billion tons of waste (UNEP). Imagine 5 New York Cities stacked on top of each other, each covered by a 1-meter-thick layer of waste. That’s the reality we’re facing—year after year—and the problem is only growing. Without change, the impacts will continue to spiral out of control.
The nuances of being a resort municipality and a thriving outdoor recreation scene, inevitably create unique challenges in the way of resource consumption and waste generation.
Our Step Toward Change
Through education and collaboration, we work with local partners to deliver regular opportunities for the community to participate in circular economy practices through hosting community clothing swaps, garage sales and repair cafes. Adopting circular economy practices is crucial for building a sustainable future.
By prioritizing the reuse, recycling, and repurposing of materials, we can reduce waste, conserve valuable resources, and lower our environmental impact. Embracing these practices not only helps protect the planet but also fosters a more resilient and efficient economy, ensuring a cleaner and healthier world for future generations.
Impact Stories
Stay updated on the RMOW’s Big Moves Strategy and see how Whistler is progressing toward its environmental goals.
Embracing Circular Economy Month in Whistler: Closing the Loop for a Sustainable Future
October is Circular Economy Month, a time to rethink how we consume and interact with resources. This initiative encourages a shift from the traditional linear economy.
#AwareEarthWeek Inspires, Educates, and Empowers
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Get Involved and Celebrate Earth Week 2024 in Whistler with AWARE
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What You Can Do
- Join our Circular Economy Events | We host a community clothing swap and garage sale every spring and fall, along with four repair cafes throughout the year. Don’t miss out!
- Become an AWARE Member and receive perks at all of our events.
- Sign Up for Volunteer Opportunities
- Partner Up | If you’re part of a local organization or business, let’s see how we can collaborate to create a greater impact.
Circular Economy Events
Spring & Fall
Community Garage Sale
Find everything and anything at the Community Garage Sale in Creekside, held twice a year. From household goods, to kids and baby stuff, clothing, sporting goods, pet items, furniture and much, much more. Becoming a…
Spring & Fall
Re-Love-It Clothing Swap
Reject fast fashion and swap clothes, shoes and accessories you no longer need or wear. Fill a bag of your previously loved clothes and exchange them for a wardrobe refresh! All ages and genders are…
Multiple Times Per Year
Repair Café
A Repair Café is a community event where volunteers help people repair broken items instead of discarding them. We aim to host them multiple times per year, offering ample opportunities to reduce waste, be resourceful,…