All of our stores are trying to reduce waste, but a recent audit brought to light some especially inspiring numbers.In first place, with a stunning 93% recycling rate, was our Oliver Square West store in Edmonton. And while he is quick to share the spotlight with his team, we would like to recognize the passion of Manager Perry Lubberding.Perry began his store recycling program over 2 years ago, putting blue boxes at each checkout and in the store departments. Since then he has been on a mission to reduce waste everywhere, from the lot to the lunchroom.
“We try to get everyone here to have some passion around recycling,” Perry says. “When we hire new people we make a point of educating them on our recycling programs. We need everyone on board.”
It also takes a bit of a carrot-and-stick approach. “We make it as easy as we can to recycle, putting recycling bins in key locations. At the same time, we are reducing the number of garbage cans available to staff and customers, making it harder to just throw stuff away.”
But Perry and his team are not about to rest on their laurels.
“There are always things we can do better,” he continues, “We still get some stuff thrown into the wrong bins. And some employees don’t remember to clean out their plastic containers before putting them in.
“I think we can get to 98% diversion rate, which we should be able to do once the organics recycling program is put into place.”
Go for it, Perry. You are the real Green Deal!
