EcoStar Award presented to Archipelago Marine Research

In May Archipelago became the proud winner of BC's Capital Regional District EcoStar Award for Waste Reduction for 2010.

The Archipelago Sustainability Initiative (ASI) was formed in 2003 in order to address the growing concerns about the waste stream generated by Archipelago employees. The goal of ASI is to provide Archipelago with a holistic, cyclical view of the business model that embodies a truly sustainable and socially responsible business operation. To date ASI’s primary focus has been to address the waste stream generated by company operations and Archipelago employees. The committee has also led initiatives around:

• Increasing awareness around green house gases and climate change
• Promotion of green products such as reusable shopping bags and biodegradable soaps
• Reduced water consumption through the installation of low flow toilets
• Reduced energy consumption through the installation of energy efficient light fixtures and implementing energy saving policies around computer use
• Encouraging bicycle commuters through the installation of secure bike storage, participation in Bike to Work Week, reserved parking for car pool vehicles

Since 2008 Archipelago has diverted from the landfill 12 dumpsters of Styrofoam, 10 dumpsters of soft plastics, 2 dumpsters of flattened cartons, 11 lbs of foil wrappers, 300 lbs of batteries, 4,800 lbs of compostable materials over 4 years, and 947 lbs of waste and recyclables collected as part of the local TD Shoreline Cleanup. The vision by 2012 for Archipelago is to have a zero waste environment.

CRD EcoStar Award Waste Reduction category description:
Participants were evaluated on:

•  Effectiveness
• Innovation, Creativity & Originality
• Promotion & Impact of Environmental Stewardship
• Leadership

 Programs, projects or initiatives may include: recycling, composting, reuse or waste-to-energy processes, or proper disposal programs such as the pharmaceuticals return program.

The Waste Reduction Award acknowledges an individual, group or organization that draws attention to the richness and diversity of the natural world and the importance of working toward ecological sustainability through waste avoidance and resource conservation. Nominees should be working toward positive alternatives to standard waste disposal. Programs may be implemented by other individuals or businesses and should work to increase awareness of waste reduction needs. Education, engagement and empowering others to rethink the standard recycle, reuse, reduce strategy are also essential attributes of this award.