Dr. Shegufa Shetranjiwalla-Merchant.

Memorial University is a partner with the Circular Economy Leadership Canada (CELC), working towards a national strategy in circular systems. CELC, an organization with the goal of creating knowledge, networks and opportunities that accelerate circular innovation across Canada's economy.

Dr. Shegufa Shetranjiwalla-Merchant has led the initiative with CELC from Memorial's Grenfell Campus, and wants all Memorial faculty, graduate students and post-doctoral researchers to build awareness and take advantage of the resources and opportunities for collaboration.

"Memorial University researchers are already conducting cutting-edge circular economy research in Canada actively developing innovative solutions for sustainable consumption and production and are at the forefront of reducing waste in sectors such marine, forest, agriculture or mining," said Dr. Shetranjiwalla-Merchant, assistant professor with Grenfell's School of Science and the Environment.

A "circular economy" means that products are designed with durability, reusability and recyclability in mind. With these imperatives in place, Canada can begin to decrease its use of "virgin materials" and non-renewable resources, and increase its use of renewable resources and recycled materials.

"Strengthening Canada's circular economy through a cohesive, collaborative and multidisciplinary engagement is critical to combat climate change and meet the United Nations Sustainabile Development Goals by 2030," said Dr. Shetranjiwalla-Merchant, whose research interests lie in the circular and eco-design of functional bio-based polymers from marine and biomass resources. "Whether it's plastic packaging, clothing, groceries, electronics or large-scale assembly production, every producer must stop and take stock of how they are contributing to waste generation and taking responsibility to eliminate or reduce it."

According to the CELC website, tapping into a network of partner organizations from business, academia, government and community initiatives across the country, CELC provides "thought leadership, technical expertise and collaborative platforms for accelerating systems change and the transition to a low carbon, circular economy in Canada."

"This network aims to take the lead on shifting mindsets from managing waste to placing value on all products - if everything has a meaningful value, zero waste ends up in our landfills," Dr. Shetranjiwalla-Merchant said, adding that CELC provides webinars, partnership opportunities, initiatives and details on various conferences that may be of interest to members of the Memorial research community.

More information about CELC is available online and through its newsletter. Those interested in getting involved can also contact Dr. Shetranjiwalla-Merchant at sshetranjiwa@mun.ca.