Exploring Circularity in The City

Sarah Hasan

In the words of Robin Wall Kimmerer, “Abundance is fueled by constantly circulating materials”. It’s no secret that urban centers like our beloved Toronto consume vast amounts of resources and most often in a manner that fuels scarcity. What we buy, eat, and build all play a role in determining the distribution of goods and the volume of waste the city sends to landfills. Against the backdrop of overconsumption, how can our city promote the principles of a circular economy, in which resources remain in the system for longer periods. How does our built environment encourage mindfulness in our consumption habits?

Amidst immense global challenges, there is power in community-level action and our local neighborhoods are where our agency as residents and dwellers to organize is the strongest. Beyond “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle”, ideas like “Repair, Re-imagine, and Re-purpose” may serve us better as a community. This walk will guide us through locations in Toronto's Riverside and Leslieville, offering insights into how local businesses and the built environment can encourage us to reflect on and challenge the relentless pursuit of "more" and "new." From fashion and architecture to our local ecosystems, we'll explore how city spaces can motivate us to re-evaluate our existing systems.

Walk Start:

Riverdale Park East next to Statue of Dr. Sun Yat Sen (Broadview Ave and Riverdale Ave).

John Chang Neighbourhood Park, Colgate Ave and Carlaw Ave

Walk End: