Local businesses can do their part to reduce waste, according to Metro Vancouver.
The regional authority is looking to make it easier for businesses to reduce, re-use and recycle and is looking to the Strathcona BIA for ideas.
The business improvement association has created a Zero Waste Challenge Tool Kit, a practical guide that others can do.
"The business sector's support and savvy will help the region achieve its goal to divert 70 per cent of our solid waste away from disposal by 2015 and aspiring to 80 per cent by 2020," said Malcolm Brodie, the chair of Metro Vancouver's Zero Waste Committee
With $10,000 of financial assistance from Metro Vancouver and technical support for a waste audit, the Strathcona Business Improvement Association in fall, 2011 coordinated a new waste reduction program with 16 of its members. The nine-week challenge resulted in the diversion of 2,300 kilograms of organic waste, 540 kilograms of soft plastics, and 210 kilograms of mixed containers. In other words, these resources were diverted away from disposal.
With financial and development support from the City of Vancouver, the Strathcona BIA today opened the Strathcona Green Zone Resource Park. The former parking lot at 1245 East Hastings in Vancouver is now a multi-purpose site for collecting and sorting reusable and recyclable materials. Raised garden beds at the same site are full of fresh herbs and vegetables for local restaurants and residents.
The Strathcona BIA has posted the Zero Waste Challenge Tool Kit on its website and a resource exchange. Find out more here.
