Join the RCA’s Textiles Circularity Events on March 18 and 19
On March 18 and 19, the Recycling Council of Alberta will lead a journey of creativity and shared learning to discover the role of textiles in Alberta’s present and circular future. March 18 is Discover Circular Textiles community day with tours, an open house and a film viewing. March 19 is Explore Circularity Day, a one-day conference at the Calgary Zoo.
March 18 | Discover Circular Textiles in Calgary
Discover Circular Textiles in Calgary by following self-guided maps to explore the businesses and NGOs involved in textile circularity – think reuse, repair, upcycling, and more. Next, attend the RCA-hosted Calgary Textile Circularity Open House to network and learn about local efforts. Finally, conclude your experience on March 18 with a screening of the documentary Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy, followed by a panel discussion featuring Maren Costa, a climate justice advocate from the documentary, alongside leaders in the circularity space.
All activities on March 18 are offered at no charge; however, registration is required.
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Self-Guided Tours of Textile Circularity Sites in Calgary (the list is being finalized- tours of the Goodwill Impact Centre is one of the stops)- FREE
*Registration is required for tour details.
4:00 – 6:00 pm
Textile Circularity Open House – FREE
Calgary Central Library
Light refreshments provided.
*Registration is required to reduce food waste.
6:00 – 8:30 pm
Documentary Screening + Panel Discussion – FREE
Calgary Central Library
Panel Discussion featuring:
- Maren Costa (documentary participant)
- Laura Cristinzo (Fashion Takes Action)
- Mortimer Capriles (Goodwill)
- Clayton Miller (Quantum)
Light snacks and craft soda will be provided.
*Registration is required to reduce food waste.
March 19 | Explore Circularity Day | Calgary Zoo
* Program now launched!
Explore Circularity Day is an annual RCA event designed to deep-dive into an emerging or complex topic. It provides a platform to explore, ask questions, and learn from others. This year, we’re exploring textile circularity in Alberta. Over the course of a transformative day, you’ll gain technical insights from leading innovators from across North America and learn from the experience of organizations and jurisdictions that have already implemented circular textile initiatives.
*Note: Program and speakers are subject to change as final preparations are being made. Check back to the website for full event details.
8:00 – 8:45 AM | Exhibitor Set-Up
8:45 AM | Doors Open
Coffee, refreshments, and networking
Sponsored by City of Lethbridge
9:10 – 9:30 AM | Tracing the Path: Welcome and Land Acknowledgement
Led by Jennifer Koole, participants will be welcomed to the event and introduced to the day’s purpose and themes.
- Recognition from dignitaries
9:30 – 10:00 AM | Charting a Course: Definitions, Context, and the Challenge at Hand
Participants will receive an overview of the global, national, and local context for textile waste. This session introduces the circular textile value chain and establishes key definitions such as “textiles” and “circular textiles.”
Participants will explore:
- Why the global textile industry requires circular economy intervention
- What is already underway in Canada
- Why Alberta is well positioned to lead
Speaker:
- Kelly Drennan (Fashion Takes Action)
10:00 – 11:00 AM | Trailblazers: Spotlight on Alberta Circular Textile Leaders
Sponsored by City of Calgary
Participants will hear from organizations already leading textile circularity in Alberta and learn about current opportunities and barriers.
Participants will explore:
- The challenges and opportunities facing Alberta’s textile circularity leaders today
Speakers:
- Dan King (Davey Textiles)
- Deanne Ferguson (KUMA)
- Katrina Hillyer (Earth Warriors)
11:00 – 11:15 AM | Exploration Break
Participants are invited to visit and contribute to interactive exhibits.
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM | Innovating Toward New End Markets
Participants will hear from innovators leading some of the most exciting projects in Canada’s textile ecosystem.
Participants will explore:
- How organizations in Alberta and across Canada are redefining economic, environmental, and social value through disruptive technologies, new business models, and grassroots initiatives
Speakers:
- Mehr Nikoo (Alberta Innovates)
- Melanie Mok (Debrand)
12:15 – 1:15 PM | Lunch
Lunch and reflection
Participants are invited to continue exploring and contributing to interactive exhibits.
1:15 – 1:30 PM | Keynote
Maren Costa (Climate activist; former Amazon employee & whistleblower)
1:30 – 2:15 PM | Popcorn Debate: Individual vs. Industry Action
Sponsored by City of Edmonton
A lively and respectful debate with audience participation focused on identifying practical solutions at every scale.
Participants will explore:
Who holds the greatest responsibility for textile waste generation and reduction:
- industry and policymakers through regulation and system change, or
- individuals and communities through consumer choice and grassroots action?
Moderator:
- Charlotte Genge, (Ensemble Co.)
Speakers:
- Jordan Girling (WRAP – Waste and Resources Action Programme)
- Dr. Rachel McQueen (University of Alberta, Department of Human Ecology)
- Mortimer Capriles (Goodwill Industries of Alberta)
2:15 – 2:30 PM | Exploration Break
Participants are invited to visit and contribute to interactive exhibits.
2:30 – 3:30 PM | The Path to Extended Producer Responsibility
2025 was a landmark year for extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation in the European Union and California. Participants will learn about recent EPR developments and hear about experiences and lessons from jurisdictions already implementing textile-focused policy approaches.
Participants will explore:
- What businesses, municipalities, and other sectors can do now to contribute to and prepare for a potential Alberta-based program
Moderator:
- Christina Seidel, (sonnevera international corp)
Speakers:
- Tonny Colyn (NACTR – National Association for Charitable Textile Recycling)
- Kelly Drennan (Fashion Takes Action)
- Joel Chung (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
3:30 – 4:00 PM | The Lookout: Closing Remarks and Next Steps
A closing session that brings together the day’s learnings and highlights immediate next steps for continued progress and collaboration.
Speakers:
- Claire Theaker-Brown (Unbelts)
- Jennifer Koole (Recycling Council of Alberta)
4:00 – 6:00 PM | Build Your Crew: Networking Reception and Exhibits
Participants are invited to continue networking while exploring exhibits.
Drinks sponsored by BCMC
RCA Members $300, Non-Member $330. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities also available.