CityHive has just opened applications for the third cohort of their Envirolab series, which aims to tackle conversations and look for opportunities around zero-waste and the circular economy in Vancouver.
The Envirolab series is a 12 session program that takes a human-centered design thinking approach to systemic problems. The cohort of 18-30 year-olds spends these sessions discussing, learning, researching, and brainstorming solution options with community, local government, and community organizations. At the end of the 12 sessions, the solutions are then pitched during a public pitch night to finalize how to move forward.
The fall cohort is now open for applications until November 1st, with this theme titled “Zero Waste & The Circular Economy”.
“Today’s economic models are linear, they examine product life cycles from conception through consumer use and finally, disposal,” the team states on their website. “Point A to point B. But, they fail to recognize the cyclical potential of products and of the regenerative power that is possible by reimagining HOW and WHY we create ‘stuff’. Through examining zero waste initiatives as they relate to the circular economy, we can work together to imagine ways to build waste OUT and build disruption IN to these models.”
These problems are never a singular problem or siloed conversation, and in recognizing many of the social issues of current times, they’re also including discussion on “Who is traditionally missing from conversations around ‘zero waste’ and how do we embed a strong equity lens within this work?”
This is the third of five cohorts that will be running until 2021, generously supported by the Lawson Foundation and the Vancity Community Foundation. The first lab was in the fall of 2019 focused on Lighter Footprint, and the second lab was in spring of 2020 on Climate Emergency.
If you’re a Vancouverite that falls into their age category, apply before November 1st to be considered for this opportunity to engage, learn, and be a part of building a positive future.
Due to the current pandemic, these sessions will all be held virtually until further notice.
