Connector – July 2025 Letter from the Executive Director 

Connector July 2025

Shooting for the Stars: Conference Lift-Off and Circular Momentum 

June was busy, energizing, and full of momentum. The RCA Circular Economy Conference registration is open, hotel bookings are filling up, and we are getting ready to Shoot for the Stars this October 22-24 in Jasper. 

Circular textiles took the spotlight. From panel talks at the Edmonton Sustainable Fashion Show to big-picture discussions at our Board meeting, the RCA team has been digging into how we can help shift systems and scale impact in this space. 

I also travelled to Banff, Edmonton, and Winnipeg to advance the circular economy by sharing tools like the RCA-adapted R-Ladder, taking part in events, and connecting with partners and members. Each stop added new ideas, new energy, and stronger ties across Alberta’s circular economy network. 

Looking Ahead: Conference Registration Now Open 

Early-bird registration is now open for the 2025 RCA Circular Economy Conference: Shoot for the Stars, taking place October 22–24 at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. 

This year’s agenda builds on past conferences and brings in several new elements: 

  • Expanded day-one workshops and tours focused on wildfire recovery, zero waste cooking, circular metrics, supply chains, and more 
  • The Circular Marketplace, sponsored by GFL Environmental Inc., offering a space to showcase repurposed goods, artwork, reuse services, and upcycled materials 
  • Bus transportation options from both Calgary and Edmonton 
  • An opening plenary, Fire and Ice, exploring the impacts of wildfire and glacial loss on ecosystems and communities 
  • A closing keynote from Madison C. Feehan, CEO of Space Copy, highlighting how circular manufacturing systems are being designed for both Earth and space 

Conference sponsorship opportunities are going fast! All refreshment break opportunities are already SOLD OUT. We still have openings for the photo booth, shuttle buses, tours, and more! Reach out to us today to discuss options to promote your business: info@recycle.ab.ca 

Spotlighting Textiles and the RCA’s Role 

On June 20, I joined the Edmonton Sustainable Fashion Show as a panelist, sharing RCA’s perspective on the circular economy and the state of textile circularity in the province. The event showcased creativity, community, and the role of fashion in shaping a more sustainable future. Alberta has strong momentum here—but there’s more work ahead to scale-up repair, reuse, and recovery systems. These themes will shape our 2026 Explore Circularity Day, which will be dedicated entirely to circular textiles. 

Earlier that week, RCA’s Board of Directors and liaisons met in Edmonton for a strategic meeting. Circular textiles were a topic of discussion, along with other emerging areas where RCA can support system-level change. Thank you to our Board and liaisons for your continued leadership. 

Bringing Tools to New Audiences 

At the SWANA Northern Lights Chapter Conference in Winnipeg, I had the opportunity to present “The Playbook for Circularity,” introducing the RCA-adapted R-Ladder tool to a room full of engaged waste management professionals. These conversations are a reminder of the value of simple, practical tools that help prioritize circular strategies in real-world settings. 

World Environment Day in Banff 

On June 5, I spent World Environment Day with the Southern Alberta Municipal Waste Managers Advisory Committee in Banff. The day began with an RCA presentation on emerging circular trends, followed by a live demo of the Banff Borrows reusable cup program from MUUSE and an afternoon tour of the Town’s biomass facility. The site uses waste wood to heat municipal buildings and solar power to charge their EV fleet—a great example of practical circularity in action. 

Celebrating Alberta’s Environmental Leaders 

Also on World Environment Day, RCA Board Member Mehr Nikoo attended the Alberta Emerald Awards. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners, including many RCA members recognized for their work. These awards remind us of the innovation and leadership taking place across the province. 

Thank you to everyone who contributed your time, ideas, and energy in June. Your work continues to shape Alberta’s path toward a circular future. 

More to come, 

Jennifer Koole 

Executive Director 

Recycling Council of Alberta