May 24th - Vancouver

May 24^th - Vancouver

Eco Equity

            Eco Equity is a company that provides funding for homeowners and business owners to either upgrade their current energy usage systems or designing and building of new construction.  The company began years ago by selling any equipment or hardware that can be used in a building.  Then as time progressed on, they realized the benefits of switching to all green equipment or services.  This company has the financial ability to lend out the necessary funds for all green improvements but being able gain that money back on the projects return on investment.  They have also spent some time donating their time and money to underdeveloped countries, helping bring the green movement to their communities overseas.

Green Works Building Supply

          

           Green Works Building Materials is a company that offers green building materials to both builders and local home and business owners.  They describe themselves, “GreenWorks Building Supply Inc. was founded by Pete McGee and Alastair Moore. Born and raised in Vancouver, the two have witnessed their hometown grow into a world renowned city and one that prides itself on being green-at-heart. So it was a bit of a shock when Pete returned from business in the US and Alastair from teaching sustainable development in Europe to find that the city still didn’t have a source for green building materials. That was the summer of 2006 and soon after GreenWorks Building Supply Inc. opened to offer homeowners a one-stop shop for environmentally friendly building materials. Modeled after the green building centers that have sprouted up in the US over the last decade, GreenWorks’ goal is to provide its customers in Vancouver and across Canada the best options for creating healthy, beautiful spaces – both inside and outside the home.” They offer a wide array of recycled materials such as glass tiles, recycled carpet tiles, dual-flush toilets, and unique cinder blocks that are made of concrete and reclaimed lumber.  They do their best to purchase natural building materials from local distributors which helps boost the local community.  The manager stated that builders will frequently come in and purchase enough supplies to complete a project, and others are just simply home owners that will slowly buy one piece at a time, but are committed to improving their home’s living environment.  Their natural building products have been known to improve the living quality within the business or homes, which is a firsthand example how utilizing natural and sustainable building materials can easily help a company in the long run.

Body Politic - Sustainable Boutique

            As we looked at the sustainable alternatives for building materials, we are also able to see in a local boutique named Body Politic.  The owner runs this quaint little boutique which only offers green products and organic cotton clothing.  She does her best to choose clothing from fashion designers which helps boost the local economy.  She takes pride in offering organically grown cotton clothing while offering a fashionable wardrobe.  Each item of clothing includes a small tag to demonstrate that particular items story and where it comes from.  While some may seem it frustrating and unnecessary to purchase clothing that sis higher than the larger retail powerhouses, the level of quality for each article of clothing simply can’t be matched.  This is why she doesn’t try to compete price-wise, but appeals to a unique customer who has the desire to purchase sustainable clothing and stay as fashionable as possible.

Organic Distributor

            The Organic Food Distributor is a local distributor that collects organic produce from local farmers and distributes it throughout the Vancouver metro area.  They are extremely passionate about level of organic produce and take the time to locate farms that meet a certain level of standard.  They explained that they work one on one with local farm owners to discuss prices as well as pride the most direct cost possible, cutting out the middle man.  However, they did have a concern about current organic standards being very lacking.  After a passionate discussion, we all had a greater understanding of what organic farming truly meant. They explained that organic gardening and farming was all about the soil.  It’s important to keep pesticides and other chemicals away from the crops.  Even non-organic seeds contaminating the organic crops can not only cause massive damage, but can even cause organic farmers to lose their farms.  Some would debate that it’s just too expensive to buy organic foods, but as more people begin buying these all natural foods, the less expensive organic products are becoming.  But remember, buying organic foods isn’t only the more sustainable way of living; it’s much healthier for you as well.  That reason alone is why it’s important to give organic foods a try.

Car to Go

            Car to go is a ride sharing system that is similar to the Zip Car system, but provides the added convenience of one way trips instead of requiring cars be delivered back to their prior locations.  However the idea of the Car to Go is still the same main idea.  Customers pay a monthly fee to be a member, and small fee per hour to utilize their vehicles.  Car to Go locations are spaced out throughout the city, and offer customers to use the system for just a few mins to a few days at a time.  Special locations throughout the city allow for designated parking so that customers are able to take advantage of convenient parking throughout the city.  Each customer had a card, and is able to access a reserved Car to Go with that special membership card.  This allows them to use the car as they need, even extending time if needed.  The only difference with Car to Go with that of Zip Car is that Car to go only owns one type of vehicle, a small smart car that allows for 2 people to ride but also parks very easily.  The cars are also equipped with special smart data systems that allow the company to not only track where the car has been, but how much energy was used during its use.  Each car has a prepaid gas card that allows members to fill their car at no expense to them.  The gas card is included in the membership dues paid each month.  This system has proven to better suit the needs of user and frees up their time, instead of being required to deliver the car to its previous location.