Green Deal

October 18th, 2017

One small fee for a bag. One giant leap to reduce waste.

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Canadians use up to 15 BILLION plastic bags every year* – enough to go around the world 55 times. That’s a lot of plastic, with the potential to negatively affect our environment, waterways and wildlife. Since 2006, London Drugs has reduced bag use by about 60%, through education and bag alternatives. But now it’s time to take the next step. Starting Jan1, 2018, we are introducing a 5¢ plastic bag reduction fee.

Why a fee? Because fees work to reduce bag use.
Although many may be unhappy to see a per-bag charge at their favourite stores, the results can be huge. When the UK started charging for bags, Wales and Ireland saw a 75% – 90% DECREASE in single-use plastic bags.** We think Canadians are ready to do just as well, or better. Research shows 53 per cent of Canadians feel stores should charge a fee for plastic bags.***

Do we charge for every bag?
Regular plastic bags are the majority of bags we hand out. So our fee is focused on reducing their use. Specialty bags in the cosmetic and pharmacy departments are not affected.

Where does the money go?
Our plastic bag reduction fee goes to cover bag costs, and to help support our What’s the Green Deal recycling programs. Since 2008, we have been steadily growing our in-store recycling services to take back more items than any other retailer in our category. (Around 11 Million pounds a year!) Proceeds from bag fees will help us grow our Green Deal programs even further and keep recycling free for our customers.

Small steps taken together make a big difference.
So bring your reusable bag, or bring a nickel. Then bring all your soft plastics back to London Drugs for recycling. With millions of Canadians shopping every day, if we each used even ONE less bag, that would save a LOT of plastic waste.

*Source: Greener Footprints Society http://www.greenerfootprints.com/plastic-bag-facts/
**Source: Article – The Telegraph, October 2015 – http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/11912052/Plastic-bag-charge-the-unintended-consequences-of-the-5p-deterrent.html
***Source: Angus Reid Poll, Canada, 2012 http://angusreidglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/2012.06.13_Bags_CAN.pdf

October 6th, 2017

Hey, BC – it’s time to upgrade to LED lighting. Save 15% on ENERGY STAR® Certified bulbs, October 6th – 27th, 2017.

LED is simply the longest lasting and most efficient lighting technology there is. And now you can save up front as well as in the long run with this great savings program from BC Hydro. Save 15% on select high-efficiency LED light bulbs that will ALSO save you money on your power bills. There may never be a better time to go through your home and upgrade to long-lasting LED quality.

For a look at the bright deals available, see the chart below and check our rebate lighting selection online here.

But remember, to get your rebate you must shop in-store. So head to your local London Drugs from October 6th to 27th, 2017, and stock up on ENERGY STAR® Certified lighting for the dark winter nights ahead!

15% OFF

Philips 6w = 45w Performance Plus R20 456987

Philips 9w = 65w Performance Plus BR41 457028

Philips 9w = 65w Performance Plus BR31 457051

Philips 8w = 65w Performance Plus BR31 457093

Philips 10.5w = 75w LED PAR30 Dimmable 452615

Philips 10.5w = 75w LED PAR30 Dimmable 452623

Philips 8w = 75w LED PAR30 Dimmable 4635135

September 27th, 2017

With discounts up to 40% OFF, It’s time to save money on power, Manitoba!

The Manitoba Hydro Power Smart program is a savings and rebate plan with incredible deals on high-efficiency lighting and Energy Star® Certified products that will ALSO save you money in the long run.

Go through your home and upgrade your lighting to long-lasting LED quality. With 20% – 40% OFF on a wide variety of light bulb and lighting styles, there may never be a better time.

For a look at all the bright deals available, see the chart below and check our rebate lighting selection online here.

But remember, to get your rebate you must shop in-store. So head to your local London Drugs before October 31st and stock up on Energy Star® Certified lighting for the dark winter nights ahead!

Product Rebate Amount

LED Bulbs

20% off 40W/60W A-line
40% off 100W A-line
40% off specialty
ENERGY STAR® certified

September 27th, 2017

With product rebates up to $15, It’s time to save money on power, Alberta!

Energy Efficiency Alberta is offering a rebate program with incredible deals on high-efficiency lighting and ENERGY STAR® Certified products from September 28th to October 29th.

You can get rebates up to $2 per bulb on select LED light bulbs and $15 on select Smart Power Bars that will ALSO save you money on power bills in the long run. There may never be a better time to go through your home and upgrade your lighting to long-lasting LED quality.

For a look at the bright deals available, see the chart below and check our rebate lighting and power bar selection online here. But remember, to get your rebate you must shop in-store. So head to your local London Drugs from September 28th to October 29th, and stock up on ENERGY STAR® Certified lighting for the dark winter nights ahead!

Product Rebate Amount

LED Lighting (A-line) – $1 per unit (Energy Star® Certified, max. 8 units)

LED Lighting (non A-line) – $2 per unit (Energy Star® Certified, max. 8 units)

Smart Power Bars – $15 REBATE on Advanced (Smart) power bars with “master” and “slave” sockets

September 20th, 2017

Community Cleanup Recycles Loud and Proud at Royal Oak London Drugs in Calgary!

It was a beautiful September morning when the first cars started rolling into the parking lot, loaded with recycling for the annual Community Cleanup.
The London Drugs Community Trailer was on hand playing vinyl records and doing sound demos to keep the energy up. People brought everything from metal to electronics to Styrofoam to kids car seats, and the results were spectacular. Here are just some of the stats:

3 skids of Styrofoam
32lbs of Light Bulbs
33lbs of Toner
66 lbs of soft plastic
49lbs of hard plastic
185lbs of batteries.
E-cycle solutions filled one whole truck, dropped off and came back for more recycled electronics
Salvation Army filled two trucks full of clothing donations and usable household items
The Syrian refugee support group took in almost 50 bikes that were in good repair and can be re-used
Kidseats Car Seat recycling took in 14 car seats to recycle.

“This has grown into a very big event at our location,” says Store Manager Pat Tonner, “We received many positive comments from customers, they were quite surprised that they could recycle their Styrofoam during this event, and bring back packaging whenever they shop at London Drugs. We definitely want to keep getting the word out about our recycling.”

Congratulations to the whole team at Royal Oak. You are the real Green Deal!

For information on what you can recycle at your local London Drugs, go to greendeal.ca/recycling to find out more.

July 25th, 2017

5 Things You Need to Know About Greener Sunscreen.

Sunscreen is one of those things we are supposed to apply liberally to our arms, legs, face, kids… so what’s actually IN it? How does it work? Are some sunscreens ‘greener’ than others? Here’s some information for your consideration from the London Drugs’ What’s the Green Deal Team:

1. How sunscreen works: There are 2 types:

MINERAL sunscreen creates a layer of particles (zinc or titanium oxide) that deflect the sun’s rays.
Effective immediately
Does not degrade from UV exposure
Does not penetrate the skin
Also effective against UVA rays
Can leave white residue

CHEMICAL sunscreen uses compounds that absorb the sun’s rays and turn them into non-damaging wavelengths.
Easy to apply, non-whitening
Requires wait time to be effective
Chemicals can penetrate skin
Chemicals degrade when exposed to UV

2. Chemical Sunscreen Ingredients
Chemical sunscreens typically contain a combination of two to six of the following active ingredients:
oxybenzone
octinoxate
octisalate
octocrylene
homosalate
avobenzone
2
Recently, concerns have been raised about long-term safety of some of these ingredients, particularly oxybenzone (benzophenone-3 ) which, in addition to sun protection, acts as a penetration enhancer. This chemical has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cellular damage.
(Oxybenzone is present in over 500 other North American cosmetic items.) 1

Watch the Spray!
Spray sunscreens have increased in popularity, but some experts don’t recommend them, because of the hazard of inhaling chemicals and particles. 2

3.Look for Broad Spectrum Protection
The suns rays come in different lengths, and it’s a good idea to protect against them all.
UVA radiation
Goes deeper into the skin (dermis).
Causes premature aging and wrinkles.
Causes tanning.
UVB radiation
Affects the skin’s surface (epidermis).
Contributes most to burning of skin.
Damages your eyes. 5

4. Is Higher SPF Better?
People assume that they get twice as much protection from SPF 100 sunscreen as from SPF 50. In reality, the extra protection may be negligible. Used correctly, sunscreen with SPF values in the range of 30 to 50 will offer adequate protection, even for people most sensitive to sunburn.6

UV protection does not follow a linear relationship, meaning that if you apply half of the recommended amount you get LESS than half of the labeled SPF protection.

5. Protect ecosystems and coral too – Biodegradable and Reef Safe options
Researchers have identified four common sunscreen chemicals as toxic to coral health. (oxybenzone butylparaben, octinoxate and a chemical called 4MBC)
Unfortunately, 25 to 60 million bottles worth of sunscreen chemicals wash off into coral reef areas each year. Sunscreens with titanium oxide or zinc oxide, (natural mineral ingredients), have not been found harmful to corals. 4 If you are swimming in nature, choose one of these options.

Great Green Sunscreen Options
London Drugs is pleased to offer a range of sunscreen options. Here are some choices that protect as sustainably as possible:

Aveeno Mineral & Aveeno Baby
Mineral based protection
UVA, UVB protection

Badger Sunscreens
Non-Nano Zinc Oxide Mineral Protection
Biodegradable
87% organic ingredients
UVA, UVB protection
What’s the Green Deal Featured

Boo Bamboo Natural Sunscreen
Active ingredient: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Oxide
UVA, UVB protection
Made in Canada

Goddess Garden
Certified organic
Non-Nano, Reef Safe, Non-GMO, Biodegradable
Vegan, Cruelty Free, Paraben and Phthalate Free
UVA, UVB protection
What’s the Green Deal Featured

Green Beaver
Non-nano zinc oxide and titanium oxide mineral protection
100% natural, biodegradable and reef friendly
Made in Canada
UVA, UVB protection
What’s the Green Deal Featured

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc
Active ingredient: Zinc Oxide
UVA, UVB protection

Trying a new sunscreen?
Test a little on a small area of skin. If you have a reaction, please bring the product back.

LEARN MORE at greendeal.ca  Blogs, videos, articles & products to help you live a little greener.

Sources:

Source: London Drugs Health Blog 2014 – http://healthblog.londondrugs.com/suncare-update-2014
Source: Environmental Working Group Sunscreen Report 2017 – http://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/executive-summary/#.WW_md4qQxE5
ENvironmental Working Group – Do the Chemicals in your sunscreen damage fragile coral reefs? – http://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2016/07/do-chemicals-your-sunscreen-damage-fragile-coral-reefs#.WW_vvIqQxE4
US National Park Service Bulletin – Protect Yourself, Protect the Reef! – https://cdhc.noaa.gov/_docs/Site%20Bulletin_Sunscreen_final.pdf
Canadian Skin Cancer Foundtion -http://www.canadianskincancerfoundation.com/sun-screen.html
Environmental Working Group – What’s wrong with high SPF? – http://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/whats-wrong-with-high-spf/#.WW_054qQxE4

July 7th, 2017

London Drugs announces expanded partnership with Recycle BC for recycling of plastic bags, plastic overwrap and foam packaging in Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission.

Starting July 5, 2017, recycling plastic bags, plastic overwrap and foam packaging in Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission will be as simple as a trip to London Drugs. Recycle BC (formerly Multi-Material BC) is partnering with London Drugs to offer this convenient option for residents to bring these materials to their local store for recycling. Building off a partnership established with London Drugs stores in the City of Vancouver and on Vancouver Island, this expansion involves four stores in the participating communities.

The following plastic bags, overwrap and foam packaging are now accepted at London Drugs stores in Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission:

Plastic bags and overwrap, including grocery bags, bread bags, produce bags, outer bags for diapers
White and coloured plastic foam packaging, including foam meat trays, foam egg cartons and foam cushion packaging for electronics

LONDON DRUGS LOCATIONS IN ABBOTSFORD, CHILLIWACK AND MISSION:

Abbotsford – #26 – 32700 South Fraser Way
Abbotsford – Unit L 110 – 3122 Mt. Lehman Road
Chilliwack – #21 – 45585 Luckakuck Way
Mission – #200 – 32555 London Avenue

“As new communities within our Recycle BC program, we’re excited to expand our partnership with London Drugs to offer residents of Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission more options for recycling plastic bags, overwrap and foam packaging,” said Allen Langdon, Managing Director of Recycle BC. “We’re pleased to offer residents more options for recycling material that is not accepted in curbside recycling.”

“With the expansion to Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Mission, London Drugs is proud to again be partnering with Recycle BC to offer a very convenient way for more consumers to recycle their plastic bags, overwrap and foam packaging,” said Kevin Sorby, General Manager, Retail Operations, London Drugs. “Now our customers and the greater community in these areas will be able to bring in these materials no matter where the original product packaging has originated from. Simply bring it in to your local London Drugs and we’ll ensure it is recycled properly.”
Plastic bags and overwrap are recycled into new grocery bags, plastic pallets, containers, crates, pipes, decking and park benches. Plastic foam packaging is recycled into picture frames, construction trim, moulding, park benches and fence posts.

In addition to London Drugs locations, residents can continue to return plastic bags, overwrap and foam packaging at seven other depots in these communities. A tool to find the nearest depot can be found at Recycle BC.

Recycle BC is a non-profit organization responsible for residential packaging and printed paper recycling throughout BC, ensuring household material is collected, sorted and recycled. Plastic bags, overwrap and foam packaging are not collected at curbside because when these materials mix with other recyclables they do not separate well enough to meet the standards of North American recycling markets.

Additional items consumers can recycle at London Drugs include fluorescent lights, rechargeable and alkaline batteries, cell phones, cardboard, electronics and cartridges for printers and computers. More information on the many items London Drugs will take back for recycling can be found at www.greendeal.ca.

May 26th, 2017

Save on LED bulbs now. Save on electricity for decades. Upgrade today with instant rebates from Energy Efficiency Alberta at London Drugs!

There’s no question that LED bulbs use less energy, last longer and save you more on electricity. Now, thanks to Energy Efficiency Alberta’s Instant Savings campaign— April 28 until June 11—Albertans can save instantly on these energy-efficient bulbs at London Drugs.

Choose from a wide range of LED bulb sizes and formats and save between $3 and $8 on each. Residential customers receive these rebates on up to 25 LED bulbs of each type, so you can upgrade your whole house.

Energy STAR* LEDs and fixtures have an extended lifetime of 25,000 hours or more. They’re also instant-on, don’t contain any mercury, and many are compatible with dimmer switch technology. Click here to see the wide range of bulb sizes and savings available.

And don’t forget, you can bring back old light bulbs right to your local London Drugs for responsible recycling – incandescent, CFL and even fluorescent tubes up to 4 feet long.

Visit our Efficiency Alberta web page, browse through greendeal.ca, or just stop by your local London Drugs to find out more.

April 28th, 2017

Introducing Sugar Sheet forest-free paper made with 100% sugar cane waste – it’s the next best thing to not printing at all!

All around the world, forests are under pressure from development and harvesting. Recycled paper is a good solution, but what if paper could be made without using any trees at all? Sugar Sheet paper is made from the waste fibre generated from sugar cane processing. The paper is bright white, high quality, elemental chlorine free and completely recyclable. (And of course, it’s available at London Drugs!)

Sugar Sheet is suitable for use in inkjet printers, laser printers, copiers and even high quality offset printing presses. Best of all, the price is competitive with other high quality and recycled paper options.

By the numbers, Sugar Sheet is a more sustainable choice.

Sugar Sheet is produced for Social Print Paper Ltd., a Canadian company based in New Westminster BC whose goal is to minimize dependency on global forests to make paper. The paper is made in Columbia from a material that would otherwise be discarded or simply plowed back into the ground, so it does not have any adverse effects on food production.

To better understand its footprint, Social Print has produced a Life Cycle Assessment on Sugar Sheet paper, comparing GHG emissions and tree savings vs regular and recycled paper options. Greenhouse Gas Emissions for Sugar Sheet are 29% lower than even 100% recycled content paper, and 1 tonne of Sugar Sheet saves 26 trees compared to the baseline (0% recycled uncoated freesheet)

So if you want to print AND save trees at the same time, your sweetest paper choice is Sugar Sheet.

April 23rd, 2017

Prince George London Drugs Earth Day Recycling Roundup Helps Spread the Word on Recycling Beyond the Blue Box

It was a sunny Saturday April 22nd in Prince George as London Drugs Manager Christian Schenk set up the Recycling Roundup tent in the parking lot. This is one of a series of events planned at London Drugs stores in Western Canada designed to focus attention on all the things customers can recycle and give them an easy way to unload unwanted materials responsibly. The event was visited by Prince George Councillor Garth Frizzell (pictured above) and the 250News team also stopped by for an interview.

Schenk says the whole event is about letting people know they have options for those hard to recycle items.

“You can bring back everything from batteries and smoke alarms to old TVs, computers, electronics, light bulbs… even small appliances. London Drugs is working to eventually be able to recycle everything we sell.”

London Drugs also features a unique packaging recycling program called Bring Back the Pack, allowing customers to return ANY packaging from London Drugs purchases for responsible recycling.

If you missed this year’s event, don’t worry – London Drugs takes back all of the following items at any time:

Electrical and Electronic goods (TVs, VCRs, computers, monitors, printers etc)
Small Appliances (purchased at London Drugs)
Styrofoam, plastic and cardboard packaging from our products
Cell phones, PDA and rechargeable batteries
Alkaline Batteries
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFL’s) and fluorescent light tubes up to 4-foot lengths
Disposable cameras
Ink jet cartridges
Laser cartridges
Metal film canisters
Plastic bags
Pop bottles and cans (BC only)
Insurance plastic folders
Laser cartridges

Visit greendeal.ca, or just stop by your local London Drugs to find out more.