by Nancy Baye
With Vancouver aiming to become the world’s greenest city by 2020, there’s plenty we can all do to chip in by improving our choices and habits. Strategies to reduce, reuse and recycle are easier than you think, and there are plenty of merchants and organizations out there ready to help you make the switch. Whether your priority is to save the planet or to save a few dollars, here are our top tips on going green in Vancouver. [Photo credit: Tourism Vancouver/Nelson Mouellic]
Vancouver’s moderate climate makes cycling a viable option nearly all year round. Whether you’re commuting, running errands or getting some exercise, the city’s trails, seawall and bike routes make two-wheeling a breeze. The BC Cycling Coalition and Ride On Shop both have resources and events to support cyclists.
Who needs the hassle and expense of owning a vehicle when there are tried and tested car share programs? Evo and Car2Go are popular, but Modo came first. Modo's CEO Patrick Nangle believes the world has come to realize the benefits of car sharing and how it “complements public transit, biking and walking to make possible a lifestyle free of the burden of car ownership.” Patrick adds that car sharing can lead to cost savings for individuals and reduced environmental impact.
From May to November, regional farmers get up early and truck their produce to seven farmers’ markets across the city. Another two run from November to April. Farmers markets’ have grown beyond supporting regional agriculture and buying farm-fresh – they are festive, fun events. Stock up on fresh produce, meat and seafood, cheeses, baked goods and unique crafts. Don’t be surprised to see food trucks, musicians and community activities like free bike tune-ups, too.
Eating nose-to-tail may not be a term that brings appealing images to mind, but this dining trend ensures minimal waste by using every part of the animal. Restaurants like Mission Kits focus on such sustainability, which prevents waste and keeps costs down.
With the news of the bee population being in decline, people are rallying around the cause. We need those furry flyers, as they pollinate about a third of the food we consume. Vancouver has honeybee hives at VanDusen Botanical Garden, the Convention Centre and the Fairmont, but you can get in on the buzz too. The City encourages Vancouverites to become urban beekeepers. Just follow their guidelines, know your responsibilities and register your beehive. Contribute to pollination, improving our food production and creating beautiful plants and flowers.
Zero waste is important and possible, in Vancouver! Downtown’s Fairmont Waterfront is a shining example. The large hotel diverts 90 per cent of its potential waste from landfills (it is the first hotel in Canada to receive zero waste certification). If they can do it, we can too!
To work towards zero waste in your own home, you can start off at The Soap Dispensary, a Main Street shop offering refills of over 300 bulk products. Stock up on everything from kitchen staples, soap products, even food – just bring your own container (or buy one of theirs to reuse).
There’s also Vancouver’s Zero Waste Market, a.k.a. Nada, which has run pop-up markets around the city since 2015. Locally sourced organic food includes “ugly produce” (abnormally shaped fruits and vegetables), dry goods and other bulk stuff. Nada supports a food system free of waste and encourages consumers to change the way they shop by avoiding plastic and packaging. Nada is opening its first permanent store (at Broadway and Fraser) soon.
Don’t get blue when trying to go green. The City of Vancouver has plenty of information to help get you started on living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
