The Banff Centre, Canada’s foremost arts, cultural, and educational institution and conference facility, lies in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff National Park. Enveloped in glorious mountains and pristine natural surroundings, it is understandably committed to environmental leadership and performance. “There are a lot of rules and restrictions in terms of how we operate here,” affirms Jill Sawyer, communications officer .
“It’s created an opportunity to really showcase the idea that you can have an organization this size in the national park that works within those guidelines.” That unique opportunity spawned a range of environmental initiatives, many related to the centre’s internationally renowned conference facilities. And to ensure they meet their green responsibilities, an environmental committee meets regularly to discuss new ways of reducing their footprint. The organization’s website also mentions a designated environmental budget ($20,000 per year) and a special Environment Management System.
Yes, indeed, green is in. The environment is the new black. For producers of green products, the concern is proving profitable, while those making eco-friendly choices attribute their actions to ethical values and a long-term world view. And, let’s face it: it’s good PR. But for all the chatter, are organizations actually walking the walk? What type of green initiatives are they introducing into the workplace? And for those who aren’t, what may be stopping them?
Greening it up
One of the Banff Centre’s most acclaimed events is the Mountain Film Festival, drawing thousands of patrons to the facility each fall. To limit the amount of waste generated during the 10-day event, the centre partnered with an environmental group to create Toward Zero Waste. With the help of student volunteers, they recycled, composted food waste, introduced recyclable coffee cups, and weighed what was left each day. In the end, they recycled 92% of their festival waste, says Sawyer proudly. Quite a feat for an event of that stature, and for a project that will help the centre plan for the future too.
Of course, not every green effort is so labour and time intensive. Eliminating plastic bottles in their conference facilities, getting office supplies delivered in reusable canvas bags instead of plastic, and introducing greener cleaning products are some of the other steps the centre has taken, ensuring it upholds its esteemed status as a responsible citizen of the park. And thanks to a committee of folks who keep green on the agenda, there will be many more initiatives upcoming.
Obstacles beware
Similarly, the Family Association for Mental Health Everywhere (FAME) owes much of its recent environmental efforts to its self-described Green Team. Offering support to families struggling with mental illness, the organization boasts progressive and forward-thinking staff members, says executive director Christine Cooper. And thanks to their creative efforts, the organization was able to overcome one of its biggest challenges: a landlord who refuses to establish a recycling program. Ever-committed, “the recycle bunnies,” as Cooper refers to them, gather all the recyclables at work and throw them in their blue boxes at home.
Meanwhile, plastic bottles are banished from the workplace and events, and jugs are filled with tap water instead. In fact, the five holiday events this Christmas season would normally have seen them go through 600 bottles of water. But this year? Not one, says Cooper.
What’s more, employees have started carpooling and the organization introduced flextime so that passenger and driver schedules mesh. “We have to be flexible if we want to make change,” says Cooper. They’ve also invested in a new Xerox photocopy machine that uses solid ink technology and Forest Certified Council (FSC)-certified paper for all their printed material. They adhere to a socially conscious philosophy as well, contracting out their printing services to local social enterprises and purchasing food from local vendors, including organic fair-trade coffee.
Green priorities
The Clean Air Foundation has adopted many of the same practices. Plastic water bottles are nowhere in sight. They make optimal use of natural light or use energy efficient bulbs when needed. FSC paper is their product of choice and they invest in waterless printing. And when picking up food from local restaurants, staff come with Tupperware in hand, avoiding plastic and Styrofoam. Employees are also encouraged to take transit, bike or walk, and metro passes and an autoshare membership are provided. If they must travel, footprints are offset with a carbon reduction fund.
When looking for other cost-effective options, the organization turns to Green Shift. Things like recycled plastic cutlery and 100% recycled cups and napkins are all procured for outdoor events. “We really try and question every practice and see what is the best choice,” says communications manager Anahita Belanger. Deeming itself the “facilitator of environmental stewardship,” Green Shift started out as an environmental consultancy but has since expanded with its Green Supply House, helping organizations find cost-effective environmental solutions to their diverse needs. As founder Jennifer Wright explains, no amount of consulting can make up for the lack of available and affordable eco-friendly products. “A lot of people don’t know where to go,” she says, adding that they will often end up at Business Depot, buying its flagship paper that is poached from Indonesia or recycled content paper, which is expensive. And while biodegradable products can be great alternatives, Wright maintains reduction and reusing are still the best options.
How much is green?
All that green can come at a price. So does that explain why some nonprofits, though committed to sustainability, are slow to adopt measures? “We’re fortunate that we’ve found a lot of creative solutions that haven’t been too costly,” says Belanger, citing Tupperware as an example. And some costs are pretty nominal, she adds. Recycled paint, for example, is priced about the same as regular. Renting resources costs about the same or slightly less than buying. “Some things take an initial investment,” admits Cooper, “but at the end of the day we think the payback is worth it.”
Sometimes they actually save money. For example, not buying bottled water at the holiday events saved FAME approximately $100. Similarly, car sharing is a huge cost saving for CAF. And while Green Shift paper may be a bit pricier than Business Depot’s regular brand, it’s less expensive than other recycled-content brands. Besides, says Wright, the more you support companies like Green Shift, the more prices will come down and the less we’ll see non-environmental options. “Some options should not be an option,” she claims.
Why so reticent?
Even so, Wright says not enough nonprofits are making green their colour of choice. “At the end of the day, money is the factor,” she explains, “but the problem is too many are too quick to use that as an excuse.” For, while some initiatives come at a greater price, plenty others cost little or nothing and just require effort. Fixing a leaky tap, turning out the lights and shutting down computers at the end of the day, and ensuring you don’t use the printer irresponsibly are just a few examples.
If there’s a will…
According to Shamus Finnegan, sales and customer service rep at environmental consultancy Green Workplace, the number one obstacle is ignorance. But it can be easily overcome with enough motivation – from the top down. Often conducting waste and recycling audits and helping organizations establish reduction programs, Finnegan says environmental efforts can actually save organizations money. Of course, if the will isn’t there, that potential is limited. “We can definitely add value anywhere, but it’s when management is onside where we experience changes,” he explains.
To get there, conversations first need to be repositioned away from guilt and translated into opportunity, he says. “As far as reduction can lead to cost saving, there’s obviously a financial incentive.” Staff input and involvement are important too. And you want to make sure that what’s replacing ignorance is high quality, accurate information. Sometimes that means organizations need to ask for help. “Change is possible; you can do more yourself than you think, but there really is no substitute for clarity and experience,” says Finnegan. As for FAME and similarly minded organizations, they are certainly clear on one thing. “We value quality of life in our community,” says Cooper, “and know the small things we do add up.”
Quick and easy tips for going green
- Take the stairs instead of using the elevator.
- Turn off all lights, appliances, and computer equipment when not in use and especially at the end of the day. Many items can be left unplugged until they actually need to be used, such as television sets, VCRs, and paper shredders.
- Use courier companies with fuel-efficient or hybrid cars, or even better, try bicycle couriers.
- Instead of travelling for face-to-face meetings, try teleconferences or videoconferencing.
- Purchase products made with post-consumer recycled material; organic, compostable, or biodegradable material; reduced chemical content; and minimal and recyclable packaging.
— from David Suzuki’s Nature Challenge at Work
Elisa Birnbaum is a freelance journalist, producer and communications consultant living in Toronto. She is also president of Elle Communications and can be reached at: info@ellecommunications.ca.
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