We understand protecting the environment is a value to everyone so here at greengate we have partnered with some pretty special companies in order to grow sustainability in Calgary. As a member of REAP Business Association we have been able to strengthen our associations with recyclers, learn more about what other companies are doing to protect the environment and help out wherever we can. We have also chosen to do business with some of the companies who are also REAP Members because we know they too are doing their best to be responsible, sustainable companies.
Some of our initiatives have been difficult but with the help of REAP we have been able to continue to recycle difficult items like less than desirable dirty plastic plant pots. Last year alone we kept an estimated 5 metric tonnes of plastic out of landfills with many thanks to Blaine Armstrong of P.E.L. Recycling who has helped us take on this colossal task. We are exceptionally proud of this since we know of no other garden centre that chooses to take on the costs and man hours necessary in order to responsibly dispose of this plastic. You can do your part to keep plastic plant pots out of our landfills by just dropping them off here. We’ll take care of the rest.
We recognize that the use of plastic plant pots for now is pretty much a necessity, but we are working with suppliers in order to come up with better solutions. We see a day where all plants come in bio-degradable pots. Last year we tested a couple of eco innovations like Elle pots which wrap the plant roots in paper cellulose and rice pots which are manufactured out of rice husk, both are bio-degradable and we look forward to experimenting with other solutions.
This season you will be able to purchase at cost reusable shopping bags or you may feel better about using plastic since our plastic bags and trunk liners are now biodegradable. greengate’s cardboard plant trays are made of post consumer recycled content, as well as, many of our day to day paper needs.
Recycling paper and cardboard is not enough so we have done our best to find uses for other shipping materials. Wooden pallets that have outgrown their usefulness are recycled into wood chips and you can see and use the results of this by purchasing Recycled Red Mulch right here at our store.
The use of weed and feed products are about to be banned in Alberta. No problem. We voluntarily choose to discontinue selling granular weed and feed more than six years ago and thus we already have eco-options available for you.
These are just some examples of how greengate is doing its best to reduce its footprint. By choosing us you are supporting these eco endeavours, and for that we thank you. To find out more about greengate’s eco initiatives and other REAP Members visit www.reapcalgary.com
REAP stands for Respect for the Earth and All People. We are a not-for-profit association of Calgary businesses that believe that people and the planet are just as important as profits.
