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Summary

Hamilton Health Sciences in Ontario is a success story in sustainability in the healthcare sector. They have reduced their emissions by 49% since 2016 and have implemented various waste reduction programs. They have also digitized patient records, resulting in a 200 metric ton reduction in paper use. The hospital has faced challenges in allocating resources and evaluating the effectiveness of programs. Collaboration with stakeholders and fostering engagement and interest in sustainability initiatives have been key to their success. The advice from the conversation is to invest in knowledge and literacy, do your part no matter how small, and prioritize quality over quantity.

Takeaways

• Hamilton Health Sciences has reduced their emissions by 49% since 2016 and implemented various waste reduction programs.
• They have digitized patient records, resulting in a 200 metric ton reduction in paper use.
• Collaboration with stakeholders and fostering engagement and interest in sustainability initiatives have been key to their success.
• Investing in knowledge and literacy, doing your part no matter how small, and prioritizing quality over quantity are important in sustainability efforts.

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Want to be a guest on The Circular Future podcast? Email Sanjay Trivedi at [email protected]

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In this episode, host Stephanie McLarty discusses the significance of Circular Economy Month with guests Caitlin Perry and Audrey Manuel from the Circular Innovation Council. They explore the transition from Waste Reduction Week to a broader focus on the circular economy, emphasizing the importance of systemic change in consumption and waste management. The conversation highlights the various themes of Circular Economy Month, the role of businesses and individuals in promoting circular practices, and the resources available for participation. The episode concludes with advice on how to engage in circular economy initiatives and the importance of celebrating small achievements in sustainability efforts.

Takeaways

• Circular Economy Month aims to raise awareness about circular solutions.
• The Circular Innovation Council has a long history in recycling and sustainability.
• A circular economy rethinks the entire process of production and consumption.
• The importance of transforming systems to address climate change and biodiversity loss.
• Circular Economy Month includes various themes to educate and engage the public.
• Businesses can participate through employee engagement and community initiatives.
• Individuals can take small actions to contribute to the circular economy.
• Resources are available for both individuals and businesses to get involved.
• Celebrating small achievements in sustainability is crucial for motivation.
• It's never too late to start making a difference in sustainability.

Learn more about Circular Economy Month> https://circulareconomymonth.ca/

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In this episode of The Circular Future podcast, host Stephanie McLarty discusses the recent acquisition of the eReuse conference by CERI with guests Corey Dehmey and Sarah Kim. They explore the mission of CERI in promoting electronics sustainability, the upcoming eSummit, and the importance of collaboration and networking within the industry. The conversation highlights trends in electronics sustainability, the structure of the eSummit, and advice for attendees on how to maximize their conference experience.


Takeaways

• SERI is a nonprofit focused on electronics sustainability.
• The eSummit will feature more pre-summit sessions than ever before.
• Collaboration is key to advancing sustainability in electronics.
• The conference aims to bring together all stakeholders in the electronics lifecycle.
• E-waste management is outdated; focus should be on circularity.
• Networking and learning from each other are essential at the conference.
• The eSummit will include diverse speakers and topics.
• Attendees should reflect on their objectives for the conference.
• SERI is developing an ESG reporting standard for the industry.
• The eSummit is an opportunity to celebrate successes in sustainability.

Learn more about SERI
Register for eSummit

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If you like our podcasts, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple or wherever you get your podcasts from.
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How much would you save on an 800-kilometer work trip by choosing an electric vehicle over a gas-powered one? In this episode, we break down the costs and logistics of a journey from Hamilton to North Bay, Ontario. We discuss not only the stark difference in fuel expenses—$150 for gas versus $56 for an EV—but also the time and planning considerations involved. Discover how the seamless integration of charging stops into the EV's system makes a compelling case for electric vehicles, not just from a financial perspective but also in terms of reducing your carbon footprint.

Ever wonder how full self-driving features could transform your long-distance travel experience? Join us as we share personal anecdotes about the perks of this advanced technology, including reduced driver fatigue and a more relaxed arrival at your destination. We also touch on the broader impact of electrifying transportation on our environment and how these advancements are steering us toward a more sustainable future. Don't miss out on practical insights and real-world applications of EV technology that could make your daily commutes and business trips more efficient and eco-friendly.

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If you like our podcasts, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple or wherever you get your podcasts from.
Want to be a guest on The Circular Future podcast? Email Sanjay Trivedi at [email protected]

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Canada has introduced new legislation to counter greenwashing, which is already in effect. The legislation, called Bill C-59, is a significant amendment to Canada's Competition Act and aims to address false or misleading environmental and social claims. The penalties for greenwashing can be severe, ranging up to $10 million or 3% of the company's global annual gross revenue. The legislation applies to every business operating in Canada, regardless of size or industry. Organizations can take steps to counter greenwashing, such as educating themselves, reviewing their communications, and using existing standards and certifications.


Takeaways

Canada has introduced new legislation, Bill C-59, to address greenwashing
The penalties for greenwashing can be severe, up to $10 million or 3% of global annual gross revenue
The legislation applies to all businesses operating in Canada
Organizations can counter greenwashing by educating themselves, reviewing their communications, and using existing standards and certifications

Thanks for listening!

If you like our podcasts, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple or wherever you get your podcasts from.
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Can remanufacturing reshape the future of office furniture? Join us on this episode of the Circular Future as we uncover the innovative world of sustainable office furniture with Doug Pilgrim, the Sustainability Advocate for Davies Office. With a fascinating backstory dating back over 70 years, Davies Office has evolved from a humble wood furniture refinisher to the largest furniture remanufacturer in the United States. Doug distinguishes between remanufacturing and refurbishing, and explains how modern trends like lower-height panels for collaboration and natural light have spurred significant changes. Discover how remanufacturing not only diverts waste from landfills but also offers substantial cost savings, amid a growing customer demand for sustainable solutions.


Takeaways

• Remanufacturing is the process of bringing old furniture to like-new condition, while refurbishing involves making minor repairs and improvements.
• Office furniture has a significant environmental footprint, with millions of tons ending up in landfills each year.
• More manufacturers need to embrace remanufacturing and collaborate with remanufacturers to find solutions for old furniture.
• To get senior leaders on board with remanufacturing, emphasize the cost savings, sustainability benefits, and positive impact on the company's environmental goals.
• Individuals can contribute to the circular economy by prioritizing reuse and prolonging the life of products.

Thanks for listening!

If you like our podcasts, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple or wherever you get your podcasts from.
Want to be a guest on The Circular Future podcast? Email Sanjay Trivedi at [email protected]

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Unlock the secrets of zero waste in business with our host Stephanie McLarty and  incredible guest Celeste McMickle, the Director of Client Solutions for True Zero Waste Certification at the US Green Building Council. Celeste uncovers the hidden world of industrial waste, often invisible to consumers, and its massive impact on the circular economy. She enlightens us on the zero waste hierarchy, highlighting the critical strategies of redesign, reduction, and reuse to proactively prevent waste.

Next, we discuss the rising wave of companies striving for zero waste certification as they navigate their sustainability journeys. Learn how the TRUE Zero Waste Certification Program acts as a crucial roadmap, guiding businesses to achieve an impressive 90% or better diversion from landfill, incineration, and waste-to-energy. Celeste also underscores the importance of third-party reviews in ensuring a robust certification process, and we talk about the realistic timelines for companies to meet their zero waste goals.

Finally, we explore the intricacies of achieving facility-level zero waste certification and the benefits it brings. From boosting employee engagement to providing marketing advantages, the rewards are manifold. We also emphasize the significance of widespread, imperfect participation in zero waste efforts, particularly in IT asset disposition and e-waste recycling. Join us at Quantum Lifecycle as we support your sustainability journey and work together towards a more circular future.

Takeaways

• Zero waste is a critical goal for businesses to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a circular economy.
• The zero waste hierarchy prioritizes reduction, reuse, and recycling as strategies to minimize waste.
• The True Zero Waste Certification program provides a framework for companies to measure and improve their waste diversion efforts.
• Third-party certification adds credibility and transparency to a company's waste reduction initiatives and can benefit marketing, employee engagement, and overall sustainability performance.

Thanks for listening!

If you like our podcasts, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple or wherever you get your podcasts from.
Want to be a guest on The Circular Future podcast? Email Sanjay Trivedi at [email protected]

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What does it take to measure circularity and improve our global sustainability efforts? In this episode, we speak with Heidi Frasure, head of Sustainability at Green Standards, who shares actionable insights into her company's pioneering circular business model. Learn how Green Standards sustainably manages decommissioned office materials on a global scale and the significant role of systems thinking and design thinking in addressing environmental and social impacts in procurement and workplaces.

Discover why focusing solely on carbon emissions is not enough and how avoiding "carbon tunnel vision" can lead to more comprehensive and effective sustainability strategies. We uncover the underappreciated impact of interior furnishings on a building's carbon footprint, and examine the unique measures Green Standards uses to track the community benefits of repurposed office assets, including in-kind donations and beneficiary stories. Transparency is key, as we discuss how clients utilize data for impact reporting, marketing, and enhancing employee engagement and retention.

Finally, we highlight the importance of an iterative approach within systems thinking, using practical tools like Excel for small organizations and emphasizing the need for action-oriented strategies. Explore the ethical dimensions of supply chains and the human element in circularity, focusing on fair practices and employee treatment. Join us as we call on leaders to drive sustainability initiatives within their companies, promoting collaboration and smart policy to create truly circular workplaces.

Thanks for listening!

If you like our podcasts, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple or wherever you get your podcasts from.
Want to be a guest on The Circular Future podcast? Email Sanjay Trivedi at [email protected]

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Can preventable data breaches be a thing of the past? Join us as we sit down with Kyle Marks, the visionary founder and CEO of Retire IT, who is revolutionizing IT asset disposition (ITAD) with a vendor-agnostic approach. Kyle’s journey from Retrobox to leading Retire IT is filled with insights into the critical intersections of cybersecurity and IT asset management. Learn how his firm acts as a fiduciary, ensuring that your ITAD processes are defensible and secure while allowing you to keep your trusted vendors.

This episode unpacks the real-world challenges of IT asset disposition, from tracking serial numbers to maintaining an unbroken chain of custody. Through personal stories and professional experiences, we explore the innovative tracking systems and software that can achieve near-perfect accuracy in IT asset management. Hear about the complexities and risks of poor ITAD practices, including the recent SEC regulations and the financial repercussions faced by companies like Morgan Stanley due to data breaches from mishandled IT equipment.

Kyle’s new book serves as a cornerstone of this discussion, providing actionable strategies to safeguard your business against cybersecurity risks. Understand the importance of segregation of duties, equipment verification holds, and partnering with certified vendors to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure accurate reporting. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to IT asset management, this episode offers valuable advice on establishing robust ITAD programs to protect your company's data and reputation. Tune in for indispensable insights from a leader at the forefront of IT asset management!

 Click here to buy Where the IT Lifecycle Ends: How Non-Compliant IT Asset Disposition Creates Unnecessary Exposure    

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If you like our podcasts, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple or wherever you get your podcasts from.
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In this conversation, Stephanie McLarty discusses IT asset disposition and e-waste recycling with her colleagues, Jim Drohan and David Borins. They explore the factors that impact the financial return of ITAD and e-waste, as well as the mistakes companies make that result in leaving money on the table. They also discuss the importance of a holistic approach and provide checklists for companies to maximize their returns through proper asset management and recycling practices. The conversation covers various aspects of e-waste recycling, including the challenges, best practices, and advice for organizations. It emphasizes the importance of compliance, logistics optimization, and strategic planning for IT asset disposition. The speakers provide valuable insights and practical tips for managing e-waste responsibly and effectively.


Takeaways

• Understanding the factors that impact the financial return of ITAD and e-waste recycling
• The importance of a holistic approach to asset management and recycling practices
• Checklists for companies to maximize their returns through proper asset management and recycling practices Compliance with regulations is crucial for organizations involved in e-waste recycling.
• Consolidation and strategic planning can help lower logistics costs associated with e-waste pickups.
• Proper management of IT asset refresh cycles is essential for maximizing economic recovery and minimizing data and environmental risks.

Thanks for listening!

If you like our podcasts, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple or wherever you get your podcasts from.
Want to be a guest on The Circular Future podcast? Email Sanjay Trivedi at [email protected]

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