Category: Impact Inspiration & Initiatives

Today, challenges loom large and hope might seem far away. Yet, despite the troubling conditions that have seemingly intensified since 2026 began, the call to purpose is only growing louder and the purpose-driven community stronger.

In November 2024, we launched our quarterly Purpose Connections webinar series, in collaboration with Tessa Vanderkop, Purpose Advisor, Trainer, and Community Builder, and began drawing connections between experts and like-minded folks across sectors, continents, and backgrounds, building up a community of people determined to do good, not just make a profit.

Since then, we’ve been honoured to have 11 speakers join us to inspire fresh viewpoints, offer unique insights, and motivate new steps in our own purpose-driven journey. 

In the midst of exciting new developments at Sparx, busy schedules, and ever-shifting world events, 2026 has taken off at a frantic pace. While it wasn’t possible to pull together a Q1 session amidst these conditions, we did have the chance to reach out to our amazing guests.

Experts at the intersection of business and purpose, we asked them to share some of their thoughts about the year ahead, as well as any advice they’d like to share for navigating the current milieu.

Read on for inspiration, insights, and perspectives on how to cut through the chaos and lead with purpose in 2026.

Toby Barazzuol, CEO of Eclipse Awards

Toby Barazzuol, CEO of Eclipse Awards and Sustainable Diversity Network Team Member at the David Suzuki Foundation, brought his sustainability, community building, and economic development experience to our “Purpose Pragmatism” session in May 2025.

Here is what Toby had to say in response to our question about what gives him hope for 2026:

“What gives me hope these days is seeing the resurgence of people caring for their neighbours and one another. Folks are reconnecting with community and rediscovering the importance of our social bonds. There is a growing sense of pride about standing together, and that is something that is good for us all.”

Dr. Victoria Hurth, Pracademic

A pracademic for long-term wellbeing for all (sustainability), Dr. Victoria Hurth collaborated with Sparx on the Wellbeing Economy issue of Make The World Better Magazine, and joined us to speak on two of our Purpose Connections sessions: our inaugural session in November 2024, and our most recent, “Beyond Profit – Cutting Through the Chaos to Build a Sustainable World.”

Check out what she had to say about her hopes for 2026 and the advice she would offer business leaders, investors, and clients to help guide them through the chaos:

“I sense that Trump is helping us wake up to what is at stake if we follow even further down the path of ‘Logic 1’ (BAU short-term financial self-interest) as the driver of decision making. We desperately need this shake-up. It will never be easy or painless, but we are not alive yet, as a global community, to what is at stake, and so fail to search for the real alternatives.

“Please read our book, Beyond Profit: Purpose-Driven Leadership for a Wellbeing Economy. I say this not to sell a book but because I genuinely see no real way forward than what is in that book—each of us becoming skilled in purpose governance and applying it at all levels of the systems we influence. It is written to be a guide to leapfrog over the chaos. I hope it helps with that.”

Mike Rowlands, CEO of Junxion Strategy

Mike Rowlands, Co-Founder of the Canadian Purpose Economy Project and Partner & CEO of Junxion Strategy, brought his entrepreneurial, strategic, purpose-driven expertise to our “Purpose Pragmatism” session.

This is what he had to say about his hopes for 2026 and his advice for facing whatever the year has in store:

“What’s giving me hope is the determined momentum we felt building at the end of 2024. On the business front, our clients are starting to invest in the things that they deem to be important as we continue to navigate the US shenanigans—and included in those investments are diligent thinking about social purpose, impact, and sustainability. So the wise businesses are staying the course—despite what the anti-conservation headlines might have us believe.

“Best advice: Stay steady. The skies aren’t falling (yet), and we need to keep looking past the bluff and bluster to the fundamentals beneath. Now is the time to—wisely and carefully—invest in purposeful growth, building organizational reach, capacity, and resilience. Don’t overspend. And don’t take on too much risk. But keep moving forward.”

Ben Renshaw, Executive Coach

Ben Renshaw, a leading speaker, executive coach, leadership advisor, and author who specializes in purpose-driven leadership, shared his insights at our inaugural Purpose Connections session in November 2024.

When asked about his hopes for the year and the advice he has to offer for organizations navigating today’s challenges, this is what he had to say:

“What gives me hope for the coming year is a growing recognition that the old playbooks are no longer sufficient. More leaders are acknowledging uncertainty rather than pretending it doesn’t exist, and that honesty is opening the door to more human, purposeful, and responsible forms of leadership.

“My advice to business leaders, investors, and clients is to anchor themselves in purpose as a source of direction, not aspiration. In chaotic conditions, purpose provides clarity for intent, guides better choices, and reduces unnecessary interference. Leaders who slow down enough to be deliberate, human, and values-led will be far better placed to navigate complexity and create sustainable performance.”

Joanne Norris, Consultant

Joanne Norris, an independent consultant who assists organizations with social finance, social enterprise, and impact investing, and has worked with WeBC and Social Venture Partners Vancouver, spoke on our “Capital & Purpose” session in February 2025.

Here is what she had to say about her hopes for 2026 and the advice she has for tackling ongoing and upcoming challenges:

“What gives me hope for the coming year? The increasing amount of conversations happening in investment and philanthropic circles about the impact of systems, and the power dynamics operating in these systems—who benefits and when, from the structuring and terms in system transactions.

“The power of effective, strategic collaborations continues to grow; more groups across sectors are interested in participating in nontraditional collaborations and partnerships. The power of engaging broader communities of interest in creative ways is at the heart of fruitful collaborations.

“[We’re seeing an] increasing profile of economic reconciliation ecosystem building across Canada, with new organizations (e.g., Fireweed Institute) and funds (e.g., EntrepreNorth, Raven Indigenous Capital Partners) establishing that fit the interests and needs of Indigenous entrepreneurs and economic projects.

“Best advice? In times such as these—chaotic—it’s important to stay connected to the values and motivations that propel us in life and work and stay true. [We] need to be clear on this.

“Times such as these also can instigate thinking differently; what opportunities have you been putting off that could be dusted off and revisited now? What potential collaborators are you not connected to but should be?

“In conversations that may be uncomfortable with team members or clients, be cognizant of judgement in your voice. Seek to understand, be curious and direct and avoid judgement. This approach enables more of a foundation of trust to be established in communications and collaborations.”

Carlota de Paula Coelho, Senior Policy Manager at B Lab

Carlota de Paula Coelho, Senior Policy Manager at B Lab and Member of the Technical Expert Group on EU Sustainability Reporting Standards at EFRAG, brought her expertise in legislation, corporate sustainability, technology, sustainable finance, ethical business, and ESG frameworks to our “Purpose and AI – Transforming the Economy” session in September 2025.

This is what she shared with us when asked about her hopes for the year ahead and her advice going forward:

“What gives me hope is that in the EU, there’s serious conversations on how to move from a ‘sticks-and-carrots approach’ with regards to purpose-driven businesses, and start thinking about how we can create market incentives for a stakeholder economy.

“My advice is Greenshouting*—not capitulation in the midst of a difficult time where we’re exposed to antagonism by government officials on one side of the Atlantic, and anti-greenwashing regulations on the other side.”

*Greenshouting is a term defined by B Lab as “the antidote to greenwashing: boldly celebrating real progress while backing it up with verified impact.”

Turning Inspiration Into Impact

Our heartfelt thanks to Tessa Vanderkop and all of our guests who have joined us in making purpose connections happen, and a special thank you to everyone who shared their 2026 outlooks with us.

Come whatever may in 2026, Sparx is proud of the impact stories we’re amplifying, the growing community we’re building together, and all the work being done to make the world better. 

We look forward to collaborating on new purpose connections sessions throughout the year—so stay tuned! And greenshouting? We can definitely help changemakers in the sustainability space with that.
Ready to share your social impact story? Sparx is here to make sure your voice cuts through the chaos, loud and clear. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Coast Waste Management Association (CWMA) began in 1995 as a collaborative effort between the Capital Regional District (CRD), the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), and the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) to discuss and find solutions for managing solid waste, particularly in the unique coastal environment of British Columbia.

Today, CWMA has grown to be a highly regarded membership association, serving a network of thousands of industry professionals. It continues to foster environmental leadership through a variety of forums, including ongoing working groups, roundtables, a resource library, and a well-established annual conference. 

As a proud CWMA Heritage Preservation Partner at its upcoming Annual Conference in Victoria, we had the pleasure of speaking with four community members who have had a front-row seat to the progress CWMA has made and where it is heading.

Carey McIver, a Founder and former Board Chair, is a solid waste management specialist with over 30 years of experience. As the former Manager of Solid Waste for the RDN, she implemented an award-winning zero-waste program and has since started her own consulting firm.

Peter Grant, the longest-sitting board member with CWMA, is the Recycling Depot Program Manager of Salt Spring Island Community Services and has been since the early ’90s. Born in Norway and raised in Montréal, Peter has a storied career which spans oil and gas and hospitality.  

Tera Grady is the Manager of Solid Waste for the Cariboo Regional District. Additionally, Tera is Co-Chair for the BC Product Stewardship Council, sits on advisory committees for two stewardship agencies, and works with IZWTAG and Recycle BC to help facilitate recycling for First Nation communities.

Sheila Molloy is an independent contractor with her current key role as Executive Director of the Coast Waste Management Association. Formerly a partner in a venture team and entrepreneur with three businesses under her belt, Sheila holds many educational and professional credentials.

What inspired the creation of CWMA back in 1995, and what was the association’s original vision?

Carey McIver (CM): The mayor of Nanaimo at the time, the late Joy Leach, directed the Association of Vancouver Island Municipalities (AVIM) to set up a task force to establish cooperative marketing of recyclables on Vancouver Island. I was the staff person leading the task force. While we didn’t establish cooperative marketing, we did create CWMA as a vehicle for networking, education, and information sharing.

Peter Grant (PG): Most of us involved with CWMA were trying to accept and market materials that had a changing value in the marketplace. The goal posts kept moving. Before the BC Recycling Regulation came into effect in late 2004, prices and markets were everywhere (and at times nowhere). When it did take effect, we also saw it would be many years before the various [extended producer responsibility programs] would actually be up and running.

In those early years, what was the biggest waste management challenge you were focused on solving?

CM: In the ‘90s, the biggest waste management challenge was the introduction of residential curbside recycling, as well as commercial recycling by way of disposal bans on readily recyclable materials such as cardboard and office paper.

Over the past three decades, what milestone or turning point has stood out most to you?

CM: For me, the biggest milestone was when the RDN achieved a diversion rate of 70% and a disposal rate of 300 kilograms per capita. This achievement set an example for other mid-size local governments.

PM: That would be the Packaging and Printed Paper (PPP) Legislation, and a few years later, its implementation. This brought so much of what was being recycled under extended producer responsibility.

Tera Grady (TG): The rocket ship that took off during COVID-19 that took us all on a trip to virtual: working groups, info sessions, conferences, and webinars!

Sheila Molloy (SM): I think the pandemic was a turning point, expanding our role as a connector and information hub. The CWMA’s success has always been rooted in its ability to serve as a neutral and welcoming association for all sectors of the waste management industry. Having to pivot to all-virtual forums opened the doors for greater connections, which have been instrumental in creating new collaborations, learning, and the creation of best practices for managing and reducing waste in British Columbia. 

How has CWMA’s mission evolved to address today’s environmental and waste challenges?

PG: We started out trying to have an association that could find ways to market materials together to get optimum results. Then, over the years, it became more focused on networking and finding best practices, which is still our focus today.

Everyone (E): Overall, we have expanded our focus from traditional waste management to a comprehensive approach that prioritizes waste reduction, addresses new challenges, and actively integrates environmental and social values. We now serve as a key resource and catalyst for change, helping our members and the broader community navigate and solve the complex waste challenges of the 21st century.

With over 70 events and meetings annually, it’s clear CWMA is very active. Which recent initiatives or gatherings are you most proud of?

E: Every event we organize matters—whether it’s an intimate working group of 10 or a dynamic roundtable bringing together 140 people to share knowledge and learn from one another. The History of EPR event, however, held special significance. It marked the beginning of our vital work to document and preserve our collective story. In a rapidly growing sector where retirements and constant movement are inevitable, we risk losing the rich history of our achievements and hard-won lessons. Taking time to archive our shared journey is essential for honouring our past and guiding our future.

How do you approach balancing industry priorities with environmental responsibility?

E: The balance can be tough, given that we need to foster a collaborative environment within a diverse industry. Our members—ranging from businesses to government organizations and individuals—all have different approaches and priorities when it comes to environmental issues. 

Our approach is to act as a translator and convener. We aim to understand each member’s core focus and environmental values, bringing everyone to the table with mutual respect. While we don’t expect everyone to agree, our goal is to help bridge these perspectives and facilitate a shared understanding.

As an organization, we also work to lead by example. We are committed to thoughtful environmental practices in all we do, from implementing food waste reduction at our events to ensuring every event is fully accessible to all participants.

Looking ahead, what do you see as the most pressing waste management challenge(s) in the next decade?

CM: We still haven’t managed to change our consumer culture. It will also be more difficult to get beyond 70% diversion.

TG: Expansion of extended producer responsibility, management of demolition waste, asbestos abatement related to natural disasters.

E: It boils down to behaviour change and consumption, construction and demolition waste, and disaster debris management. Optimistically, the solutions exist for most of these challenges, but they require coordination between technology development, policy frameworks, and community engagement. This requires collaboration, cooperation, and relevant information for decision makers in our industry and with others. 

What role do you hope CWMA will play in shaping the future of waste management in BC and beyond?

TG: Continuing to provide relevant webinars and bringing waste managers together to network and learn.

E: We want to keep fostering a vibrant, action-oriented, problem-solving community by building forums and having resources at everyone’s fingertips. We also want to archive the history and work we are all doing to ensure it lives on as a point of comparison and a reflection of our successes.

When CWMA reaches its 40th anniversary, what accomplishments would you most like to be celebrating?

E: That we are still a leading industry resource for developing best practices in waste management and reduction.

There’s been a groundswell of awareness and support for a circular economy in recent years as a sustainable alternative to the traditional “take-make-waste” economy, thanks to the incredible work of world-changing individuals and organizations, such as Circular Innovation Council.

First established as Recycling Council of Ontario in 1978, Circular Innovation Council (CIC) began with a focus on a more environmental and economical way of redefining waste and reintegrating it back into production as valued resources. Today, CIC is progressing the circular economy through a variety of national programs, pilots, and events, including the Canadian Circular Economy Summit, Circular Economy Month, and many more. 

As big fans and collaborators of Circular Innovation Council, including the first-ever issue of Circular Economy Magazine, made in collaboration with CIC and Circular Economy Leadership Canada, we are thrilled to partner with them again to tell their story and share insights on Circular Economy Month, which takes place every October. 

Keep reading for our exclusive interview with Circular Innovation Council. 

For those unfamiliar, what is Circular Economy Month, and why is it important for Canadians?

Circular Economy Month is a national campaign every October that celebrates and promotes circular solutions. Practices like sharing, reusing, repairing, and recycling are important because they highlight how, as a society, we need to transition from a “take-make-waste” model of consumption to one that keeps resources in use longer. Everyday actions, big and small, can make our communities more sustainable and resilient. It’s an annual invitation to learn, take action, and celebrate progress. 

How did Circular Economy Month first come about, and how has it evolved since launching in 2022?

Circular Economy Month is an evolution of the Waste Reduction Week in Canada campaign that we activated with partners across the country in October every year since 2001. The momentum started in the mid-1980s, when recycling councils and municipalities started coming together to coordinate recycling education and collection events. 

Over the years, Waste Reduction Week became an annual celebration and reminder to take action, engaging thousands of Canadians across the country each year. In 2022, we expanded it into Circular Economy Month to reflect a bigger vision and keep the momentum going longer than one week.

How does Circular Innovation Council’s mission align with the goals of Circular Economy Month?

Our mission is to put circular economy concepts into action, and the Circular Economy Month campaign helps us do that. The goal of the campaign is to promote action, inspire innovation, and celebrate our successes.

Do you have a favourite success story or moment from past Circular Economy Months?

Our favourite moments are always seeing communities come together to plan events that promote circular action — from repair cafés to swap events to public art installations. As the organizers of the campaign, we’re always thrilled by all the creative and impactful initiatives that organizations and governments implement each year!

What are the main goals you hope to achieve this October?

This year, our main goal is to highlight how circularity strengthens communities and builds economic resilience. We want people to see that it’s not just about the environment; it’s about an entire systems change that strengthens local supply chains/economies, creates jobs, builds skills, and makes life more affordable. By spotlighting stories and solutions from across Canada, we hope to inspire people to take action in their homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.

Within the overall annual campaign theme, communications each day during the month focus on the following key topics: Monday is construction, Tuesday is textiles, Wednesday is electronics, Thursday is plastics, Friday is food, and the weekend is share, reuse, repair. Can you explain why you chose daily themes?

The daily themes were started during Waste Reduction Week 2017, and over the years, have become a very popular part of the campaign, as they help participants focus their education and communications efforts. Each weekday educates on key material streams, and the weekend promotes hands-on action, like swap events, repair cafes, and community sharing.

How can individuals and organizations get involved and make a difference?

There are so many ways to participate. Individuals can start small: repairing something instead of replacing it, organizing a swap with friends, or choosing reused or recycled products. Organizations can join by hosting events, engaging employees through activities like the Circular Canada challenge, and joining the conversation on social media using the program hashtag #CircularEconomyMonth. A great first step is visiting circulareconomymonth.ca, where you’ll find promotional resources, ideas, events, and educational information about the circular economy.

What are some of the key activities, events, or campaigns people can expect to see in October?

This October, expect to see a mix of local community events, webinars, and inspiring social media content. The 2025 campaign theme is “A Stronger Community for All,” which will focus on the socioeconomic benefits of circularity as a solution to build stronger communities, strengthen Canada’s supply chains, and make life more affordable for Canadians. Follow along through the hashtag #CircularEconomyMonth to see educational content and videos that highlight community action across the country!

We are also running a Circular Canada challenge that calls on Canadians to take a series of circular actions throughout the month of October.

In your view, what’s the biggest barrier to adopting circular economy principles in Canada?

One of the biggest barriers is the way that our current systems — from how products are designed to how waste is managed — are still built around a “take-make-waste” model. Shifting to a circular economy requires collaboration, new infrastructure, policies, and business models, as well as public awareness and behaviour change. The good news is that momentum is growing, and campaigns like Circular Economy Month help build the transition by showing what’s possible.

How do you see Circular Economy Month evolving over the next few years?

We see it continuing to grow as Canada’s leading platform for educating about the circular economy and encouraging action at every level. As more Canadians, governments, and organizations embrace circularity in their daily lives, policies, and business models, we’ll have more stories to share. Our future is about making circular solutions mainstream and celebrating Canada’s progress.