Wednesday, April 22, 2026 |  9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Circle America Summit: Advancing a Circular Economy and Culture convenes leaders across policy, business, and culture to examine how a circular economy can better reflect nature, protect human health, and reduce waste at scale. Through practical case studies and solution-driven conversations, the program explores innovations in reuse, recycling, and materials management, alongside the policies and market forces shaping their impact. The summit will also catalyze new partnerships and launch Circle America, a national effort to educate, engage, and mobilize the public around building a truly circular culture.

THE FUTURE IS CIRCULAR

What would it look like if our economy worked more like nature—where waste becomes food, systems regenerate, and prosperity is shared? Come for a sneak peek of the day’s Circle America Summit, introducing the vision, goals, and opportunities of a circular economy and culture. Leaders from across innovation, policy, and practice will ground the day in real-world examples, emerging frameworks, and bold ideas that show why circularity is not just possible—but essential for our future.

Featuring:

• Bill Shireman, Solution Citizen
• Karen Warner, BEAM Circular
• Dr. John Warner, The Technology Greenhouse

 

GREEN CHEMISTRY: THE FOUNDATION OF A CIRCULAR ECONOMY

A truly circular economy begins at the molecular level. In this session, green chemistry pioneer Dr. John Warner explores how the language, design principles, and innovation choices of chemistry shape everything that follows—from product safety to recyclability and regeneration. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how designing chemistry with intention can eliminate pollution at the source and unlock circular solutions across industries.

Featuring Dr. John Warner, The Technology Greenhouse

EPR & CIRCULAR POLICY ROUNDTABLE

Policy can either accelerate circular solutions—or hold them back. This interactive session examines how emerging approaches like extended producer responsibility (EPR), right-to-repair laws, and pollution pricing are reshaping markets and incentives. With perspectives from industry, advocacy, and policy leaders, the discussion will explore what’s working, what’s not, and how to ensure that billions of dollars in new regulatory frameworks deliver real environmental and social impact.

Featuring:

• Steven Nickel, Google
• Adam Peer, American Chemistry Council
• Charlie Schwarze, Keurig Dr. Pepper

 

EARTHX 10 BRAND HEROES

For the second year, EarthX honors consumer and retail leaders advancing circular, market-based solutions across their supply chains, proving sustainability and business success can go hand in hand.

Brand Heroes to be announced.

RADICAL REDUCTION ROUNDTABLE

The most powerful form of circularity is not recycling—it’s reduction. This session focuses on bold strategies to reduce material use through reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and redesign. Innovators from fashion, electronics, construction, and beyond will share practical approaches, success stories, and challenges, followed by a participatory roundtable exploring how radical reduction can scale across sectors and reach everyday consumers.

Featuring:

• Dr. Yuly Fuentes-Medel, The Footwear Collective
• Shawn Stockman, ReturnCenter
• Kyle Wiens, iFixit

 

RECYCLING INNOVATION ROUNDTABLE

When materials can no longer be reduced or reused, what comes next matters deeply. This session explores cutting-edge approaches to recycling and regeneration—biological, chemical, and mechanical—and how they fit into a holistic circular system. Industry leaders and solution providers will discuss what it takes to design effective recycling systems, build market demand, and ensure that recycling truly supports regeneration rather than perpetuating waste.

Featuring:

• Holli Alexander, Eastman
• Francisco Balbuena, The Coca-Cola Company
• Sarah Kaylor, The Recycling Partnership
• Joe Tegerdine, Reencle

CREATING A CIRCULAR CULTURE

A circular economy cannot thrive without a circular culture. This session brings together voices from indigenous traditions, faith communities, and civic movements to explore the values, stories, and relationships that shape a culture that is part of nature. Together, participants will reflect on what cultural shifts are needed—and leave with concrete calls to action for advancing circularity in communities, institutions, and daily life beyond EarthX.

Featuring:

Will Grant, Pachamama Alliance
Others to be announced

UNITED BY NATURE FOR AMERICA 250

As we close Earthx2026 and look towards America’s 250th birthday, let us imagine a future rooted in unity, stewardship, and alignment with nature. Featuring voices from across civic dialogue, indigenous leadership, and environmental action, let us inspire you about the possibility of a circular culture—one that transcends divisions and helps build a healthier, more resilient future for people and planet alike.

Featuring:

Xiye Bastida, Re-Earth Initiative