Send us a textUnlock the secrets of zero waste in business with our host Stephanie McLarty and  incredible guest Celeste McMickle, the Director of Client Solutions for True Zero Waste Certification at the US Green Building Council. Celeste uncovers the hidden world of industrial waste, often invisible to consumers, and its massive impact on the circular economy. She enlightens us on the zero waste hierarchy, highlighting the critical strategies of redesign, reduction, and reuse to proactively prevent waste.Next, we discuss the rising wave of companies striving for zero waste certification as they navigate their sustainability journeys. Learn how the TRUE Zero Waste Certification Program acts as a crucial roadmap, guiding businesses to achieve an impressive 90% or better diversion from landfill, incineration, and waste-to-energy. Celeste also underscores the importance of third-party reviews in ensuring a robust certification process, and we talk about the realistic timelines for companies to meet their zero waste goals.Finally, we explore the intricacies of achieving facility-level zero waste certification and the benefits it brings. From boosting employee engagement to providing marketing advantages, the rewards are manifold. We also emphasize the significance of widespread, imperfect participation in zero waste efforts, particularly in IT asset disposition and e-waste recycling. Join us at Quantum Lifecycle as we support your sustainability journey and work together towards a more circular future.TakeawaysZero waste is a critical goal for businesses to reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a circular economy.The zero waste hierarchy prioritizes reduction, reuse, and recycling as strategies to minimize waste.The True Zero Waste Certification program provides a framework for companies to measure and improve their waste diversion efforts.Third-party certification adds credibility and transparency to a company's waste reduction initiatives and can benefit marketing, employee engagement, and overall sustainability performance.Thanks for listening! If you like our podcasts, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple or wherever you get your podcasts from. Want to be a guest on The Circular Future podcast? Email Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com Listen on: https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn | Facebook

Send us a textWhat does it take to measure circularity and improve our global sustainability efforts? In this episode, we speak with Heidi Frasure, head of Sustainability at Green Standards, who shares actionable insights into her company's pioneering circular business model. Learn how Green Standards sustainably manages decommissioned office materials on a global scale and the significant role of systems thinking and design thinking in addressing environmental and social impacts in procurement and workplaces.Discover why focusing solely on carbon emissions is not enough and how avoiding "carbon tunnel vision" can lead to more comprehensive and effective sustainability strategies. We uncover the underappreciated impact of interior furnishings on a building's carbon footprint, and examine the unique measures Green Standards uses to track the community benefits of repurposed office assets, including in-kind donations and beneficiary stories. Transparency is key, as we discuss how clients utilize data for impact reporting, marketing, and enhancing employee engagement and retention.Finally, we highlight the importance of an iterative approach within systems thinking, using practical tools like Excel for small organizations and emphasizing the need for action-oriented strategies. Explore the ethical dimensions of supply chains and the human element in circularity, focusing on fair practices and employee treatment. Join us as we call on leaders to drive sustainability initiatives within their companies, promoting collaboration and smart policy to create truly circular workplaces.Thanks for listening! If you like our podcasts, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple or wherever you get your podcasts from. Want to be a guest on The Circular Future podcast? Email Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com Listen on: https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn | Facebook

Send us a textCan preventable data breaches be a thing of the past? Join us as we sit down with Kyle Marks, the visionary founder and CEO of Retire IT, who is revolutionizing IT asset disposition (ITAD) with a vendor-agnostic approach. Kyle’s journey from Retrobox to leading Retire IT is filled with insights into the critical intersections of cybersecurity and IT asset management. Learn how his firm acts as a fiduciary, ensuring that your ITAD processes are defensible and secure while allowing you to keep your trusted vendors.This episode unpacks the real-world challenges of IT asset disposition, from tracking serial numbers to maintaining an unbroken chain of custody. Through personal stories and professional experiences, we explore the innovative tracking systems and software that can achieve near-perfect accuracy in IT asset management. Hear about the complexities and risks of poor ITAD practices, including the recent SEC regulations and the financial repercussions faced by companies like Morgan Stanley due to data breaches from mishandled IT equipment.Kyle’s new book serves as a cornerstone of this discussion, providing actionable strategies to safeguard your business against cybersecurity risks. Understand the importance of segregation of duties, equipment verification holds, and partnering with certified vendors to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure accurate reporting. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to IT asset management, this episode offers valuable advice on establishing robust ITAD programs to protect your company's data and reputation. Tune in for indispensable insights from a leader at the forefront of IT asset management! Click here to buy Where the IT Lifecycle Ends: How Non-Compliant IT Asset Disposition Creates Unnecessary Exposure    Thanks for listening! If you like our podcasts, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple or wherever you get your podcasts from. Want to be a guest on The Circular Future podcast? Email Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com Listen on: https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn | Facebook

Send us a textIn this conversation, Stephanie McLarty discusses IT asset disposition and e-waste recycling with her colleagues, Jim Drohan and David Borins. They explore the factors that impact the financial return of ITAD and e-waste, as well as the mistakes companies make that result in leaving money on the table. They also discuss the importance of a holistic approach and provide checklists for companies to maximize their returns through proper asset management and recycling practices. The conversation covers various aspects of e-waste recycling, including the challenges, best practices, and advice for organizations. It emphasizes the importance of compliance, logistics optimization, and strategic planning for IT asset disposition. The speakers provide valuable insights and practical tips for managing e-waste responsibly and effectively.TakeawaysUnderstanding the factors that impact the financial return of ITAD and e-waste recyclingThe importance of a holistic approach to asset management and recycling practicesChecklists for companies to maximize their returns through proper asset management and recycling practices Compliance with regulations is crucial for organizations involved in e-waste recycling.Consolidation and strategic planning can help lower logistics costs associated with e-waste pickups.Proper management of IT asset refresh cycles is essential for maximizing economic recovery and minimizing data and environmental risks.Thanks for listening! If you like our podcasts, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple or wherever you get your podcasts from. Want to be a guest on The Circular Future podcast? Email Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com Listen on: https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn | Facebook

Send us a textThe conversation explores the concept of Right to Repair and its impact on the circular economy. Right to Repair is the idea that consumers should have the ability to fix the products they own, and manufacturers should not be able to block repair or limit it to authorized repair shops. The movement has gained momentum globally, with several US states and countries passing right to repair laws. These laws typically require manufacturers to share parts, tools, and repair documentation with independent repair shops and device owners. The long-term impact of right to repair includes reducing e-waste, extending product lifespans, and promoting a more sustainable approach to electronics.TakeawaysRight to Repair is a movement that advocates for the ability to fix everything you own and prevents manufacturers from blocking repair.More US states and countries are passing right to repair legislation, which requires manufacturers to share parts, tools, and repair documentation with independent repair shops and device owners.Right to Repair contributes to a circular economy by promoting reuse and extending the lifespan of products, reducing e-waste and carbon emissions.The impact of Right to Repair includes creating business opportunities and changing the way we think about our products and consumption.Thanks for listening! If you like our podcasts, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple or wherever you get your podcasts from. Want to be a guest on The Circular Future podcast? Email Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com Listen on: https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn | Facebook

Send us a textThe Quantum Sustainability Report shows the impact of reusing and recycling electronics through Quantum. It provides waste diversion metrics and emissions avoidance metrics, showcasing the number of devices reused and the weight of materials recovered through recycling. The report calculates the greenhouse gas emissions saved or avoided and presents them in CO2e. It also includes fun equivalents to make the numbers meaningful. The methodology behind the report is based on Quantum's platform data and collaboration with a sustainability consulting company. The report can be used for internal sustainability reporting, marketing, and employee/stakeholder communication.TakeawaysThe Quantum sustainability report shows the impact of reusing and recycling electronics through Quantum.The report provides waste diversion metrics and emissions avoidance metrics.The methodology behind the report is based on Quantum's platform data and collaboration with a sustainability consulting company.The report can be used for internal sustainability reporting, marketing, and employee/stakeholder communication.Thanks for listening! If you like our podcasts, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple or wherever you get your podcasts from. Want to be a guest on The Circular Future podcast? Email Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com Listen on: https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn | Facebook

Send us a textEmbark on a transformative journey through the world of sustainable coffee with Marie-Anne Champoux-Guimond, Keurig Dr Pepper Canada's senior Sustainability Manager, by tuning into the latest episode of the Circular Future podcast. Marie-Anne unveils the innovative strides of KDP Canada in aligning their Drink Well, Do Good initiative with conscientious environmental stewardship and a responsible supply chain. Discover how the company, a champion of Fairtrade, is reshaping the coffee industry by ushering in an era of ethically sourced beans and eco-friendly practices.Our conversation with Mari- Anne goes beyond the bean, revealing how Keurig coffee machines are entering a new era of sustainability. The inclusion of recycled plastics and the recycling program for commercial machines showcase Keurig's commitment to the environment. Furthermore, the pioneering work of the Circular Plastics Task Force, with partners like Danone and Cascades, embodies a shared vision for enhancing the quality of locally recycled plastics. This episode illustrates the innovative spirit that's driving the plastic recycling revolution, and how every cup of coffee can contribute to a greener planet.Lastly, we unwrap the layered strategies that Keurig Dr Pepper employs to reach their ambitious sustainability targets. From the packaging that's destined to become 100% recyclable or compostable, to the significant reduction in plastic usage, these goals echo the company's holistic approach to environmental responsibility. We discuss the power of collaboration and the imperative of embracing both successes and learning moments with humility. For businesses and individuals alike, this episode serves as a profound guide on forging a sustainable path that leaves a positive imprint on our Earth.Thanks for listening! If you like our podcasts, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple or wherever you get your podcasts from. Want to be a guest on The Circular Future podcast? Email Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com Listen on: https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn | Facebook

Send us a textHappy Earth Month! In this episode of the Circular Future podcast, host Stephanie McClarty speaks with four children between the ages of eight and 13 about their thoughts on the environment and how to protect it. The children discuss the importance of protecting the environment for clean water, sustainable cities, and future generations. They also highlight the challenges of global warming, pollution, and waste. The children suggest teaching others about recycling and reusing, as well as reducing pollution and waste. They imagine solving environmental problems with magic wands, inventing animals to protect the environment, and planting gardens with food and trees. The children also express their desire for adults to stop buying unnecessary items and wasting resources. They share their superpowers related to the environment, such as healing the environment and cleaning the air. The episode concludes with the children discussing their understanding of what their families do at Quantum.Thanks for listening! If you like our podcasts, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple or wherever you get your podcasts from. Want to be a guest on The Circular Future podcast? Email Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com Listen on: https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn | Facebook

Send us a textCircularity has become a major theme for businesses of all shapes and sizes. The circular economy encompasses new business models, materials and products, repair, remanufacturing, reuse, recycling, and innovation. The GreenBiz circularity conference brings together circular economy professionals to advance the transition to a more circular economy. The conference covers various sectors and activities related to circularity, with sessions in different formats, including tutorials, workshops, panels, and networking opportunities. To accelerate the circular economy, companies should integrate circularity into everyone's performance metrics and be willing to try new initiatives. It is important to celebrate small wins and learn from challenges.TakeawaysCircularity has become a major theme for businesses of all sizesThe circular economy encompasses new business models, materials and products, repair, remanufacturing, reuse, recycling, and innovationThe GreenBiz circularity conference brings together circular economy professionals to advance the transition to a more circular economyThe conference covers various sectors and activities related to circularity, with sessions in different formatsTo accelerate the circular economy, companies should integrate circularity into everyone's performance metrics and be willing to try new initiativesIt is important to celebrate small wins and learn from challengesThanks for listening! If you like our podcasts, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple or wherever you get your podcasts from. Want to be a guest on The Circular Future podcast? Email Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com Listen on: https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn | Facebook

Send us a textIn this conversation, Namir Anani, President and CEO of the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC), discusses the roadmap for a sustainable, equitable, and circular future for Canada. He emphasizes the need for Canada to address climate change, enhance resiliency, and improve productivity. Anani highlights the importance of addressing the commercialization gap and fostering a culture of risk-taking within companies. He also advocates for the development of an industrial strategy and the acceleration of the circular economy. Ultimately, Anani emphasizes the importance of talent in driving the future of the Canadian economy. TakeawaysCanada needs to address climate change and meet its environmental and social obligations while leveraging the net zero challenge into net economic gain.Resiliency and productivity are key factors for Canada's economy, requiring the management of supply chains, financial systems, and the productivity gap.Addressing the commercialization gap is crucial for Canada to turn intellectual property into commercial products and drive economic growth.Fostering a culture of risk-taking within companies is essential for innovation and competitiveness.Canada needs an industrial strategy that focuses on diversification, sustainable development, and addressing gaps in the economy.Accelerating the circular economy requires extended producer responsibility, circular design, taxation incentives, and consumer education.Balancing priorities for governments involves long-term strategic thinking and collaboration with industry and stakeholders.Talent is the essence of a high-performing economy, and reskilling and upskilling are crucial for driving innovation and attracting businesses to Canada.Thanks for listening! If you like our podcasts, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple or wherever you get your podcasts from. Want to be a guest on The Circular Future podcast? Email Sanjay Trivedi at strivedi@quantumlifecycle.com Listen on: https://quantumlifecycle.com/podcast Follow us on LinkedIn | Facebook