December 2024 – Letter From RCA Executive Director Jennifer Koole

As we wrap up the year and look forward to an exciting 2025, I want to extend my gratitude to our members, partners, and sponsors for your steadfast support and collaboration throughout 2024. Together, we’ve achieved remarkable milestones in advancing Alberta’s circular economy, and I’m thrilled about what’s to come.
Reflecting on 2024 – This year was a time of progress and impact for the RCA. From launching new initiatives to hosting thought-provoking events, we made significant strides in driving circularity across Alberta. Check out our 2024 Highlights or dive into the 2023-2024 RCA Annual Report to learn more details.
In December alone, we co-hosted two webinars — Technology & Innovations for Difficult-to-Divert Materials – Part 2 and EPR: Current Timelines, Status of Implementation, and What You Need to Know! — hosted the RCA Christmas Mixer and participated in two significant Alberta circular economy events: the Circular Cities Week – Calgary Mapping Workshop and a presentation to Edmonton’s Green Economy Club, which focused on sharing circular procurement tools. As part of this effort, we showcased Circular Procurement: Strategies for Circular Criteria, a resource developed by the RCA in partnership with the Canadian Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI).
RCA Board’s Circular Resolutions for 2025 – At our recent Board meeting, we discussed “Circular Resolutions” for 2025, highlighting how intentional actions, big and small, can drive meaningful change. Each Board member shared a commitment they pledged to undertake in 2025 either personally or professionally or both. These resolutions reflect practical ways to embrace and advance circularity. The list is impressive, and we noticed some themes:
Buying Better
- Commit to buying durable, high-quality items to reduce waste (e.g., avoid disposable products like cheap Teflon pans).
- Be a mindful consumer, especially during the holiday season.
- Choose products with less or recyclable packaging to reduce non-recyclable waste.
Buying and Consuming Less
- Reduce online shopping to limit Styrofoam (EPS) waste.
- Conserve resources by adopting habits like using greywater (e.g., dishwater for gardens) to save energy and water.
- Aim to downsize waste bins by reducing overall consumption.
Influencing Change
- Develop circular solutions for materials like gypsum and concrete.
- Explore better end markets for challenging materials such as vinyl siding.
- Collaborate with First Nations communities to launch impactful waste management practices.
- Support clients and communities as they transition to a circular economy through education and resource sharing.
Looking Ahead to 2025 – We’re excited to carry these resolutions forward as we continue to advance circularity across Alberta. Two major events are already on the horizon:
- RCA Explore Circularity Day: March 10, 2025 – Edmonton, AB
- 2025 RCA Circular Economy Conference: October 22–24, 2025 – Jasper, AB
Wishing You a Circular New Year – As we prepare to step into 2025, let’s continue building a circular Alberta together. Thank you for your contributions and commitment this year.
Warm regards,
Jennifer Koole
Executive Director, Recycling Council of Alberta