Economic impact of the circular economy

By Caroline Chamberland

Moving on, used objects, zero waste, recycling and reuse are all terms associated with the environment and more responsible consumption. In short, the circular economy. The positive impact of this innovative economic model is well established, but what is it? What are the benefits, as well as the challenges and obstacles, of the circular economy?

To deepen your knowledge and better understand the various impacts of this economic model, learn more with the Understanding ISO 59004 (circular economy) training course.

The circular economy in Quebec

Canada is the leading producer of waste per capita in the OECD. So it’s safe to say that we can do better!

More sustainable, the circular economy wastes nothing and conserves resources as much as possible by reusing, repairing and recycling objects and materials, giving them a second and even a third life. By integrating this sustainable development tool into your activities, not only are you contributing to the future in a more responsible way, but you’re also eliminating a lot of waste. These actions are a major step forward for the Quebec economy of today and tomorrow, and that’s what Accademia Qualitas is all about.

In the training course Understanding ISO 59004 on the circular economy, participants will learn to distinguish the different principles that govern this concept and what actions contribute to it. Our trainers will explain and illustrate these concepts in simple terms, enabling you to apply them in a concrete business context.

Have you heard of BocoBoco, an online zero waste gourmet grocery store? According to owner Lauren Rochat, there are many ways to contribute to green growth.

“We won’t get there by changing everything overnight; we have to go gradually, changing one habit at a time.”

Are you familiar with Earth Overshoot Day?
This day marks the point in the year when humanity has consumed all the renewable resources the planet is capable of producing in a year. Each year, this day is brought forward. In 2023, it was July 20.

Challenges and obstacles: the stakes

Reducing waste has been a major challenge for many years, and will continue to be so in the future. According to Pierre Bruyère, General Manager of Développement durable Rivière du Nord, we need to focus on reuse. In fact, this is the main mission of the Rivière du Nord Ecocentre, a success story in the Laurentian circular economy.

“At the ecocentre, you feel like you’re in a store. There’s everything: furniture, crockery, tools and much more. I often say we’re the Walmart of reuse!”

Mr. Bruyère faces many challenges, including insufficient manpower, uncompetitive employee wages and transportation. “Not everyone can get to the ecocenter to bring in items or return home with their purchases, so we’re trying to find a way to help them.”

One thing’s for sure: we have to start making decisions in relation to the environment, not by thinking of the economy first. In the long term, sustainable development is vital.

Are you ready to change your consumption habits?

If you’d like to reduce the use of resources, protect the environment, extend the life of materials and thus promote green growth and sustainable development, sign up for the Understanding ISO 59004 (circular economy) training course.