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.
Young Voices, Big Impact 2026: Continuing Momentum
Continuing momentum with the Young Voices, Big Impact Program 2026. Discover what the youth in Whistler have been contributing to through volunteering with us at AWARE as part of Young Voices, Big Impact this Spring.
Young Voices, Big Impact 2025: Reflection, Learning & Lasting Change
Young Voices, Big Impact Committee 2025: Reflection, Learning & Lasting Change. Discover what the youth in Whistler have been contributing to through volunteering with us at AWARE as part of Young Voices, Big Impact Committee.
Slow the Fashion Cycle and Choose to Build a Wardrobe That Lasts
Living in a fast-fashion-forward world doesn’t mean we need to sacrifice sustainability. As we transition into Circular Economy Month this October, we want to show how simple sustainable fashion choices can be. Let’s complete the…
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
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,…
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
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…