Green Deal

July 12th, 2011

GreenDeal 101 – ECO-Fees and Product Stewardship

Let’s say you come into London Drugs and pick up a Compact Fluorescent Bulb for your hall light. At the checkout, (in BC) you will notice there’s something called a ‘CFL Levy’ of 25 cents added to the bill. It’s an environmental fee, which funds the recycling programs that take care of disposal when the bulb has reached the end of its long and efficient life. So who collects these fees? Why do we need them, and where do they go?

Product Stewardship – Industry and consumers taking care of the mess.
CFL bulbs are just the latest in a long line of products to receive eco-levies. In the 1990’s, municipal and Provincial governments realized they were paying a lot to handle the increasing waste from the products we throw away. In response, they began to legislate product producers to be responsible for recycling products, beginning with the most difficult-to-dispose-of items, such as paint, tires and lead-acid batteries. In BC, these programs were implemented in the form of industry-led stewardship associations responsible for the collection and recycling of old products.

Those who produce and use the products pay.
To fund these organizations, levies are set and passed on to the consumer. This was seen as a fairer way to fund recycling than using tax revenue. Fees can either be visible or invisible. Visible fees are fees charged at the retail level and shown on the consumer’s receipt while invisible fees are included in the cost of product.

Where does the money go?
The association responsible for your CFL bulb fee is Lightrecycle, managed by ProductCare. I followed our 25 cents into the stewardship system by talking with ProductCare Controller and Project Manager, Vnit Nath.
“The fees are sent to Product Care, and we use them to set up systems, then fund collection depots, transport and processing of the recycled products.” Vnit explained. “We also fund education and outreach programs to engage the public. All recycling must be done by certified processors, and our association is subject to a financial audit, which is publicly available.”

BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Nova Scotia have all implemented stewardship plans, and other jurisdictions are following suit.
In Alberta and Ontario, stewardship associations are quasi-governmental organizations. You can find a good overview of provincial (and a few US) associations here. Plans are in place for electronics and small appliances and will eventually be set up for larger appliances, packaging and more. It means more eco-fees, but savings for our municipalities and less waste. That’s worth more than a few cents at the checkout.

Links to find out more:

Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA)

BC Ministry of Environment Product Stewardship

Saskatchewan Waste Electrical Equipment Program

Province-by-Province Stewardship Overview

BC Product Stewardship Model Video

June 27th, 2011

Sunscreen – What’s the Green Deal on not turning pink?

Well, it’s officially time to write the sunscreen blog, even though (in Vancouver anyway) the golden orb has been a bit of a no-show so far. London Drugs has a huge variety of sunscreen choices, and talking to a Beauty Advisor will get you way more info than can be listed here. But I wanted to feature a few alternative options to consider if living a little greener is one of your summer priorities.

What are Mineral Sunscreens and why are they becoming more popular?
Most sunscreens work by being absorbed into the skin, where their chemicals then absorb UVA and UVB rays. Mineral sunscreens don’t get absorbed the same way. They stay on the skin’s surface, creating a barrier (of zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) to reflect the sun’s rays. Some people prefer the idea of surface protection, and others may find mineral formulas less irritating to sensitive skin. An additional benefit is that mineral sunscreens work as soon as you apply them – you don’t have to wait for them to soak in.

Nature’s Gate Mineral Kids SPF 20
Pediatrician tested and specially developed for children’s sensitive skin, this fragrance-free formula offers UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. It’s also paraben free. All the ingredients are listed on their website, which we at What’s the Green Deal always appreciate.
Badger SPF 30 Lightly Scented and Unscented
These formulas have 18.5% uncoated, non-nano zinc oxide as their active ingredient. Totally natural and chemical-free, the Badger website says they are naturally water resistant, safe for children of all ages and block both UVA and UVB rays. Extra Green Deal points for their 50% post-consumer-recycled #2 plastic packaging as well.
Burts Bees Sunscreen with Hemp Seed Oil
The Burts Bees website calls this a ‘chemical-free’ sunscreen, as its active ingredient, titanium dioxide, occurs naturally as the mineral rutile. Like all BB products, it’s also paraben-free and petrochemical free.
Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport 30 Biodegradable
It’s important to note that just because chemical sunscreens get absorbed, that doesn’t mean they are bad. And some, like this biodegradable Hawaiian Tropic product, can be considerably better for sensitive environments. When chemicals from regular sunscreen wash off into the ocean, they may interact with marine creatures, including coral reefs. For this reason, Mexico allows only biodegradable sunscreen. Sport 30 comes in a recyclable bottle with a nifty interlocking 60ml size, which unfortunately uses more plastic in its manufacture. But if you refill the smaller bottle, at least it’s convenient and reusable. Fish may thank you.

But none of this matters if you don’t apply it enough.
Almost all research drives this point home. Most of us apply our sunscreen too little, too late and forget to reapply after 2 hours. (Yes, every 2 hours!) So whether you choose mineral, biodegradable or chemical sunscreen, keep slapping it on. Or you will be the real RED deal.

June 15th, 2011

Debrand Recycles London Drugs’ Christmas Decorations – a gift that keeps on giving.

Christmas shopping can have a magical feeling, but once those oversized decorations have done their job in London Drugs stores, where do they go? To solve this challenge, London Drugs worked with Debrand – a unique company who specializes in repurposing the awkward, the branded and the difficult-to-recycle materials that corporations inevitably collect.

The Christmas decorations in this case were not made from recyclable materials, and they are too big to be used at home. So Debrand began contacting places where they might be re-used in larger spaces. Ultimately, they found a new home through local school boards, who will be distributing the re-usable decorations for use in schools, continuing to spread holiday cheer. Thanks, Debrand team!

For next year, maybe Santa will bring us recyclable store decorations… that would be the REAL Red & Green Deal!

May 25th, 2011

Green cosmetics are more than skin-deep.

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and it readily absorbs almost anything rubbed, swabbed or caked on it. One recent study identified some heavy metals (in trace amounts) in cosmetics tested in Canada. (Note, only one brand sample showed amounts greater than Health Canada allows, and London Drugs does not carry it)

It is unclear whether the metal traces resulted from impurities, ingredients or the presence of background levels of metals present in our environment. But as with anything that goes in, on, or around our bodies it’s worth taking a closer look. So let’s look at cosmetic ingredients, labeling and options with a green eye. (Or at least a green eye-shadow)
Cosmetics Regulations

Health Canada has regulations regarding ingredients and labeling for cosmetics. These regulations make sure ingredient names conform to the world INCI nomenclature standard so people are able to easily identify substances to which they may have sensitivities. In addition, Health Canada has identified a list of ingredients that are prohibited or restricted in cosmetics sold in this country. All cosmetics that London Drugs sells meet these Health Canada standards. London Drugs requires each cosmetic manufacturer to supply a copy of its ‘Health Canada Cosmetic Notification Form’ as filed with Health Canada prior to selling product in our retail stores.

Greener Cosmetic Options
For those customers that want to go a step further, London Drugs carries some brands that focus on natural and environmentally-friendly ingredients and do a good job of describing all ingredients on their websites.

Lavera Cosmetics
A German company founded in 1987, Lavera offers products that are free of synthetic additives. Their ingredients are derived from organic farming methods, which help to lower the amount of toxins and pesticides in the environment.
Lavera products contain no animal raw materials, synthetic or petrochemical derived compounds, or genetically modified organisms. They even offer options that are certified vegan. All Lavera products are certified in Germany with the BDIH Certified Natural Cosmetics seal of approval.

Physicians Formula Organic Wear
This line of cosmetics’ claim to fame is ‘100% free of harsh chemicals, synthetic preservatives and parabens’. Products are certified by Eco-Cert, an internationally-recognized organic certification, and they even offer a patent-pending eco-conscious paper compact container that uses 93% less plastic than a traditional compact.
If you want to know more, stop by London Drugs and talk with a Beauty Advisor.

April 21st, 2011

The London Drugs StyroCycle

The London Drugs StyroCycle stops everyone from Ministers to Mayors as it rolls out the recycling message in Victoria.

It’s the latest in human-powered recycling billboard technology. The StyroCycle cruises bike paths and shopping malls, literally stopping traffic and getting stares all over the Capital Regional District. Looking like a huge stack of Styrofoam tottering down the street, it’s an eye-popping way to show just how successful our customers have been in diverting waste from landfill with London Drugs recycling.

On April 19th, London Drugs VP Clint Mahlman and Maury McCausland from Retail Operations joined our Store 29 Manager Dan Kartz and Zone Manager Darryl Galick to discuss Styrofoam recycling and our unique Bring Back the Pack packaging take-back program. Throughout the day the StyroCycle visited the Bike to Work Week launch at City Hall, cruised the busy downtown streets and was filmed by local TV crews and the BC Government Caucus video team.

We were further honoured to show the StyroCycle to local leaders, including Mayor Dean Fortin and BC Minister of the Environment Terry Lake.

Mayor Fortin expressed his appreciation for the recycling dedication of London Drugs customers.
“We and many other municipalities are starting to have challenges. The current landfills are getting full. Whether you are worried about the planet or you’re worried about your back yard, these are the efforts that make a difference. ..Thank you for leading the way.”

Minister Lake was also impressed.
“People want to have a company that looks at the whole life cycle of the product… Companies that take responsibility, that are leaders, encourage other companies to do the same thing.”

The StyroCycle is powered by Andrew Capeau, President and owner of Victoria Pedicab, who has been instrumental in spreading the recycling word amongst the bemused local populace. “People are not only noticing, they are loving it.” Andrew says, “And these downtown shoppers at LD on Yates are recycling gurus.”

London Drugs VP Clint Mahlman summed it up. “As a company, London Drugs has improved waste diversion by over 65% in the last 4 years. If we’re generating waste it’s our responsibility to find creative ways to ensure it doesn’t end up in the landfills.” On that count, the StyroCycle definitely qualifies.

Watch for the StyroCycle at Victoria London Drugs locations and local events this April. If you see it, ask Andrew for a ride. It’s on the house.

Find out more at greendeal.ca

London Drugs VP Clint Mahlman (L) with BC Minister of Environment Terry Lake (R)

BC Minister of Environment Terry Lake (L) with London Drugs VP Clint Mahlman (R)

Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin (L) Victoria Pedicab Company President Andrew Capeau (C) and London Drugs VP Clint Mahlman (R)

London Drugs VP Clint Mahlman (L) discusses recycling with Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin (R)

L to R: London Drugs Zone Manager Darryl Galick, VP Clint Mahlman, Andrew Capeau, President and owner of Victoria Pedicab, Maury McCausland from Retail Operations and Store 29 Manager Dan Kartz

April 9th, 2011

London Drugs Victoria takes styrofoam recycling message on the road with a human-powered billboard.

It’s the London Drugs StyroCycle, a rolling pedicab showcase of the recycling achievements of London Drugs customers. The StyroCycle is cruising the streets of Victoria and visiting store locations, offering free rides, recycling advice and promoting our unique Bring Back the Pack packaging take-back program. It also proudly tells the tale of the 90,000 lbs of styrofoam our customers have kept from landfills in the last three years.

The StyroCycle is powered by the Victoria Pedicab Company, and manned by VPC President Andrew Capeau. It was built with styrofoam from the London Drugs recycling stream, and insulation sheets reclaimed from construction waste. Naturally, the structure and signage are also designed to ultimately be almost completely recyclable.

On April 8th, the skies graced us with sunny weather and the StyroCycle was launched to crowds of bemused, curious and interested Victorians. We have documented the construction and launch of this unique media vehicle and we will release the YouTube video as soon as it is edited.

This public engagement machine is part of a Victoria Bring Back the Pack Green Deal campaign. It will be visiting the four Victoria stores throughout April and cruising the streets and bike paths as weather permits.

StyroCycle Captain Andrew Capeau summed it up in his blog: “I must say that as a pedicab operator I am used to curious stares but what I saw this weekend was beyond my expectations. I am seeing double takes, triple takes and even full on stops with fingers pointing. People are not only noticing, they are loving it. Skateboarders to baby stroller pushers are giving me the thumbs up. I’m posing for pictures, high fives are exchanged…it’s a love-in, baby!”

So if you live in the Capitol Region or know someone who does, tell them to look out for the StyroCycle, get a free ride and remember to Bring Back the Pack!

March 12th, 2011

London Drugs and What’s the Green Deal front and center at Metro Vancouver Zero Waste Challenge Conference.

On March 10, 2011, hundreds of people from all over BC gathered to talk trash, and it was the hot ticket of the week. This sold-out show was the Metro Vancouver Zero Waste Challenge, a one-day working seminar that brought success stories, inspiration, and ideas together to bring the whole region one giant step closer to waste-free living. The lunchtime keynote speaker was none other than London Drugs Senior VP Clint Mahlman, our Executive champion of all things green.
Clint shared with the group London Drugs’ successes with reducing waste within a competitive corporate environment, showing other business leaders in the room that it is possible to be green and meet business objectives at the same time.
The reduction of waste on a per-store basis was one clear success story. The Lethbridge store, for example, has gone from 4 bins of garbage per week to one bin every 10 days since 2007. Overall London Drugs has seen landfill reductions from 50% – 66% throughout the chain.
Clint also featured some small but significant changes, including the new organics collection for composting at London Drugs’ head office. Bring Back the Pack and our unique Styrofoam recycling program was also showcased, and here Clint gave full credit to London Drugs’ customers for making the effort to divert over 92,000 lbs of styrofoam from landfills in the last 3 years. So way to go, London Drugs shoppers. Keep recycling, composting and Bringing Back your Packaging. Together we can send even better stats to the next Zero Waste Conference.

March 2nd, 2011

Composting it Right – using proper bags for municipal pickup programs.

More and more municipalities are starting compost pick-up programs in order to reduce landfill use and costs. (30 – 40% of household garbage is organics) But for these programs to work, it is critical that we use the right containers for our kitchen waste.
In the Lower Mainland of BC, for instance, most municipalities deliver their food scraps and compostable yard waste to Fraser Richmond Soil & Fibre. This facility does not accept ANY kind of plastic bags for household compost – even the ones that say ‘compostable’ right on them. Why? Because it’s too hard to tell them from regular plastic bags. So the best solution is to use paper bags, newspaper or the new Bag to Earth cellulose-lined paper bags to get your food scraps to the yard trimmings cart. These are a great alternative if you want to avoid leaks under the sink in between pickups.
Or, you can skip the bag altogether and put your compost waste into a SureClose Food Scraps Container. The perforated top on this unit allows for enough air circulation to keep odours to a minimum, (I know it sounds strange, but it does work!) and the handle makes it easy to dump into the yard waste container.
So if you have a municipal program in your area, (like the City of Vancouver Food Scraps Collection Program) check their website and make sure you’re using the right bags. For some composting basics, check out this GreenDeal 101 blog.
Remember, the more efficient our green programs are, the better they work – for the whole planet.

February 25th, 2011

Green Deal 101 – Composting

Did you know that kitchen waste makes up some 30% of household waste in Canada? Or that the methane created when these organics decompose in a landfill can be 20 times as potent a greenhouse gas as CO2? The good news is, organics are not really garbage. Most of this waste can be easily converted to rich, healthy soil. That’s composting. And it’s one of the best things you can do to cut waste and regenerate the soil.

If you have a back yard, or even a balcony, it’s relatively easy to get a composter going. Many municipalities sell them and some have special seasonal discounts. Composting right in the kitchen is also possible with a worm composter, but it takes a bit more dedication and care.

The composting process is pretty straightforward. You put in uncooked fruit and vegetable peelings, grass clippings, leaves, stale bread, eggshells, teabags, straw, coffee grounds and even dryer lint. Bacteria, fungi, microorganisms and worms turn it all into a dark, earthy, soil-like substance that actually smells rather fresh.

It’s important for a compost pile to have the right combination of ingredients and that it contain the right level of moisture. There are some good resources online where you can get specific information on compost content and maintenance.

Some municipalities , including most of Lower Mainland Vancouver, even have pick-up programs for compost, along with yard waste. Here is a link to information on the Vancouver program.
London Drugs also has some products that make composting a lot handier, like the Bag to Earth cellulose-lined compostable paper bags (a great choice for municipal programs) and the SureClose Food Scraps Container.

So whether you do it yourself or use a local municipal program, it’s a good idea to dig into composting.

Where to find out more:

City of Vancouver Food Scraps Collection Program
‘Here’s the Dirt’ PDF on composting from Metro Vancouver
‘Here’s the Dirt’ PDF on WORM composting from Metro Vancouver
Winter composting in Calgary
City of Saskatoon Composting

February 16th, 2011

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs, LED lights, recycling and other bright ideas.

By now you may have heard that the government is phasing out the old incandescent light bulb. In fact, retailers can no longer buy incandescents 75 watts and higher to stock shelves. That leaves most of us looking at Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL’s) or LED bulbs as a replacement. So what IS a CFL anyway? How does it differ from LED? What about recycling old bulbs, and the mercury content? We set out to answer these questions with another Green Deal video. (Spoiler alert: Yes you CAN recycle CFL’s at London Drugs!)

If you want to know more, here are a few links to some online information:
GE has a great FAQ page on CFL’s:
http://www.gelighting.com/na/home_lighting/ask_us/faq_compact.htm
Here’s an info page from Health Canada, including information on how to clean up a broken CFL: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/prod/cfl-afc-eng.php

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About the Blog

GreenDeal 101 – ECO-Fees and Product Stewardship

Sunscreen – What’s the Green Deal on not turning pink?

Debrand Recycles London Drugs’ Christmas Decorations – a gift that keeps on giving.

Green cosmetics are more than skin-deep.

The London Drugs StyroCycle

London Drugs Victoria takes styrofoam recycling message on the road with a human-powered billboard.

London Drugs and What’s the Green Deal front and center at Metro Vancouver Zero Waste Challenge Conference.

Composting it Right – using proper bags for municipal pickup programs.

Green Deal 101 – Composting

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs, LED lights, recycling and other bright ideas.

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