The business of green
It makes sense, and dollars
Going green is just good business.
Many Powell River companies have changed their business practices over the last few years and implemented new ways of doing things that are kinder to the environment.
Coranne Anderson of Aaron Service & Supply is knowledgeable about what products are on the market that are good for the environment. In the last three years Aaron Service has introduced many new green products.
"Almost all our paper products are recycled and recyclable," says Coranne.
They carry biodegradable plastic grocery bags, dog waste bags and garbage bags.
In the presence of soil, moisture, oxygen or heat, the bags will convert to water, carbon dioxide and biomass, says son Trevor Anderson who also works in the family business.
Their toilet paper, paper towel and napkins are also eco friendly. Take out containers and cutlery are made of cane sugar and are biodegradable.
"We have become the clean green team," says Coranne.
Aaron sells water filtration systems, bottled water and coolers. They provide on site wastewater treatment systems and also have a service that cleans ducts to improve air quality.
"Its exciting because technology is changing so fast. We try to stay on top of what is new so we can offer it to the community," says Coranne.
The company implemented the new duct service when Trevor began suffering from allergies. "It works like a chimney sweep on an air duct," says Trevor. Product that kills bacteria and controls odour is then sprayed on the duct. "Its like a colonoscopy for the house!"
For Melissa Call of Ecossentials, going green stems from her own personal values--but its also being driven by customers. Ecossentials is the retail arm of the Sunshine Organics business she has had for years, delivering organic and local groceries to Powell River doorsteps.
"I already had the bulk foods at the warehouse for Sunshine Organics. Now that theyre available at the retail space, I can carry more products."
The demand is partly about the products, such as environmentally-friendly, non-tested-on-animals, phosphate-free, biodegradable laundry soaps, shampoos and cleaners. Some like that its highly concentrated and competitively priced. But other customers arent concerned about the Soap Exchange or Dr Bronners brands.
"They dont care what it is. They say, 'As long as I dont have to buy another container,'" Melissa says.
Melissa buys soaps in giant containers, and people bring in their own containers to re-fill, thereby eliminating extra packaging.
Shes passionate about reducing packaging and, as a director of Pebble in the Pond, reducing the use of plastics.
So customers can get everything from dishwasher soap to staples like flour, oats and sugar to tea, herbs, olives, dried fruit and maple syrup--as long as they bring their own containers. And customers are happy to do so.
"Its because the customers are demanding it," says Melissa.
As more and more consumers make buying decisions based on environmental factors, businesses like these will grow and thrive.
