Queen’s University is participating in Circular Economy Month, a public awareness campaign dedicated to educating and empowering Canadians to support an economy that delivers on the values of protecting the planet and prioritizing people.

A circular economy looks at how we make and use things. It minimizes waste and makes the most of the earth’s resources. Circular products are made to last longer, can be fixed, reused again and again, and deconstructed into their original parts, moving away from a linear economy (take-make-waste) towards a more affordable, less cluttered, more biodiverse world with tight-knit communities that support each other.

“Education and awareness on how circular procurement and circular products can provide lower cost of ownership and lower environmental impact is a key way we can bring change not just at the University but within the community and the supply chain” says Nathan Splinter, Manager of Energy and Sustainability.   

Throughout the month of October, the campaign, led by Facilities, features a series of social media posts – on Instagram and X – highlighting weekly themes and sharing related campus resources. 

The third week of Circular Economy Month is Waste Reduction Week.  

Facilities has also developed a Guide to Recycling and Waste Disposal that will be distributed to the campus community during Waste Reduction Week, and will also be available on the Facilities website.

Circular Economy Month is organized by the Circular Innovation Council, a national not-for-profit.