News Release
New program recognizes green-friendly businesses
January 20, 2009
City businesses that are doing more to curb waste, recycle and cut back on paper use earned plaudits from Mayor Brad Woodside and city council recently.
The mayor presented representatives of several local companies and organizations with Green Shops medals as the first in a monthly series to promote awareness of the city-inspired program.
Launched last October, Green Shops has created an audited points system for evaluating bronze-, silver- or gold-medal status efforts to reduce the business sector's carbon footprint in Fredericton.
The Fredericton Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Fredericton Inc. were both awarded silver medals after an audit.
The chamber participates in a workplace recycling program, while Downtown Fredericton Inc. sends its Christmas cards via e-mail instead of on paper.
Business Fredericton North purchased a leftover pallet of office paper five years ago and uses it so sparingly as to earn it a bronze award.
"An ambitious program like Green Shops requires the support of the entire community and these three business organizations have not only committed their support, but they are leading by example," said Woodside.
"All three organizations have taken it upon themselves to whole-heartedly encourage all their member businesses to equally commit themselves to greening Fredericton, and for that, we all thank you."
The Delta Fredericton Hotel earned a silver medal for its towel-recycling program and by using glassware instead of paper or plastic glasses in its 220 hotel rooms.
The Marriott Global Reservations Sales and Customer Care Centre received a gold-medal award not only for implementing workplace programs, but for providing employees with the know-how to implement their own conservation projects at home.
Golf Green Condominiums received a gold medal by stepping up recycling.
The 70 condo units used to have 22 Trius dollies to tuck away their trash.
Through an organized recycling system, the condo owners now need only 15 dollies. Everything else is recycled.
Gallery Opaque was awarded bronze-medal status for its eco-art program.
The city's Green Matters team administers the program, awarding businesses credits for their actions leading to certification in one of the three Green Shop levels.
All participating Green Shops are given an official Fredericton Green Shops window decal to alert consumers of their commitment to the environment.
This is the second Green Shops medal ceremony. In October, the program was launched after a successful pilot project.
To date, there are 24 members in the program.
To learn more about the Green Shops program or to see a list of participating businesses, visit www.greenshopsfredericton.com.
Fredericton Green Shops is a voluntary program that is part of the City of Fredericton's Green Matters campaign.