The circular economy is all about reducing waste and keeping resources in use for as long as possible by refusing, reusing, repairing, and rethinking what we consume. It’s not just theory: across the Bow Valley, people and organizations are already closing the loop. Learn more on our Circular Economy page.
The 9R Framework
At the heart of the circular economy is the idea that not all waste is inevitable. We can design systems to keep resources in use for as long as possible. The 9R’s offer a helpful hierarchy for this mindset:
Refuse: Say no to unnecessary items
Rethink: Choose smarter systems
Reduce: Buy and use less to minimize waste from the start
Reuse: Give products a second life instead of tossing them
Repair: Fix broken items to extend their usefulness
Refurbish: Update or restore used goods
Remanufacture: Use parts from old items to make something "like new"
Recycle: Break materials down to make something new again
Recover: Incinerate products for energy recovery
Refusing what we don't need and rethinking how we consume are the most impactful steps. The more we move up the 9R ladder, the less waste we generate and the more we protect natural resources.
Community Spotlights
Across the Bow Valley, residents, organizations, and businesses are bringing the circular economy to life through inspiring local initiatives and everyday action. Here are a few highlights.
Muuse is coming to Canmore Folk Fest August 1-4
Already active in Banff, Muuse is coming to the Canmore Folk Music Fest for a reusable cup pilot. Thanks to our partnership with Muuse and generous sponsors (Town of Canmore, Bow Valley Waste Management Commission, Tourism Canmore Kananaskis, and the Rotary Club of Canmore), some beer and cold drinks will be served in reusable cups at no cost to you. Simply return your cup to the orange bins at any waste station so we can wash and reuse them. Every cup returned keeps single-use waste out of the landfill for up to 100 years!
Borrow a stainless steel reusable cup for hot beverages at the Biosphere booth:
Visit the Biosphere booth
Scan the QR code
Sip from your reusable Muuse cup
Return to any waste station when you're done
Full Moon Swap
The Full Moon Swap is a welcoming, no-cost community event hosted by the Canmore Public Library and the Homelessness Society of the Bow Valley. Held each month near the full moon, the event features rotating themes for inspiration, like gardening or kitchen supplies, but all items are accepted. You do not need to bring anything in order to participate. Just come by, browse, and take home what you need. Make sure to check out the next one on August 15-16.
Composting Workshop
Last month's "Building Soil, Building Knowledge" workshop at Star6 Ranch brought together locals to learn about vermi-composting and the vital role of healthy soil.
Fun fact: A teaspoon of healthy soil holds more microbes than there are people on Earth, and those microbes help store carbon, filter water, and grow resilient ecosystems.
We’re proud to support this grassroots initiative through a Calgary Foundation Neighborhood Grant. Big thanks to Christian, Sarah, and the team for leading the way.
Resources for Low-Waste Living
Looking to reduce waste in your daily life? From borrowing tools to planning zero waste events, these local resources make it easier to live lighter.
Tool Lending Library
The Biosphere Institute offers a free Tool Lending Library for Bow Valley residents, with equipment that supports climate action and human-wildlife coexistence. From thermal cameras and Kill-A-Watt meters to fruit pickers and pruning tools, these resources help you take practical, low-waste action at home and in your community.
Library of Things
Did you know the Canmore Public Library lends out more than just books? The Library of Things includes kitchen appliances, tools, board games, outdoor gear, and so much more. All items are free to borrow with your library card. Banff's collection is also growing, so be sure to check out both.
Zero Waste Toolkit
Hosting an event in the Bow Valley? Our Zero Waste Toolkit is designed to help organizers reduce landfill waste, support the circular economy, and cut emissions. It offers practical tips, local strategies, and evolving best practices to make your event more sustainable from start to finish.
Borrow a Bag
Banff’s Borrow a Bag program makes it easy to skip single-use plastic by offering free, reusable shopping bags for residents and visitors. This project supports a circular economy by keeping bags in circulation rather than in the landfill. Have extras at home? You can donate clean, reusable bags at Banff Town Hall during regular hours, Monday to Friday from 8:30 to 4:30.
Help Shape the Future
The Plan for Parks
Alberta is updating its long-term strategy for provincial parks, aiming to balance conservation, recreation, and cultural connection. The draft plan focuses on four main goals:
Welcoming and accessible parks for all Albertans, including inclusive programs and Indigenous language integration.
Conservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage, with stronger partnerships for environmental protection.
Diverse, nature-based experiences, from quiet wilderness to family recreation.
Transparent, long-term park management supported by science, sustainability, and community input.
You can help shape this vision. Take the province's online survey by July 26 to share your feedback.
Shift: Climate Transitions Name Change
Our Shift: Climate Transitions program has evolved and now we’re exploring a new name that better reflects the full scope of the work we're doing across the Bow Valley.
From waste reduction and energy efficiency to circular economy events and community climate action, this program is about empowering people, organizations, and businesses to take local action for a more sustainable future.
We’d love to hear your ideas. What name do you think captures the energy, creativity, and impact of this program?
Volunteer Opportunities
Canmore Folk Music Fest August 1-4
Canmore Folk Fest: Green Team
If you're passionate about sustainability and want to make a hands-on impact, volunteer with the Green Team at the Canmore Folk Music Festival from August 1-4, 2025! You'll help sort compost, recycling, and garbage, supporting the event’s goal to move Towards Zero Waste. Last year, we achieved an incredible 91% waste diversion rate, and we’re aiming even higher this year!
Volunteers who sign up for 2 time slots are eligible to receive a free full weekend pass to the Folk Fest! It’s a great opportunity to get involved with the community, help the planet, and listen to some great tunes. Sign up here and indicate that you would like to be a part of the Environment Team.
