News Release
Downtown BusinessesReceive Green Shops Gold Medals
April 30, 2009
Two gold medals, one silver and five bronze were awarded by Mayor Brad Woodside today to eight new members of the City's Green Shops program.
The Fredericton Playhouse, and Aitken's Pewter each received Gold medals while Hang Nails Esthetics Studio received a Silver medal. Bronze medals went to the Fredericton Naturopathic Clinic, Wilson Insurance, The Blue Door, The Belton Group, and Room 2 Remember.
"These medals signify a voluntary commitment to reducing the environmental impact of your business," said Mayor Woodside. "We are proud to have your support as we continue our campaign to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our community."
Green Shops, launched in October 2008, is the City's latest initiative of the Green Matters Campaign to help reduce the community's impact on the environment. Under the program, businesses take concrete actions, and are then audited. The companies receive credits for each action towards either a Gold, Silver or Bronze accreditation.
"It is so inspiring to see such a diverse group of businesses taking ownership of their own environmental sustainability", said by Mayor Woodside, as he presented a medal to Dr. Judah Bunin from the Fredericton Naturopathic Clinic. They have been long instilling in their clients a healthier, more holistic way of life.
Wilson Insurance is making hardware upgrades to their offices to become more energy efficient and reduce their water consumption. Heather Wilson was on hand to accept the medal.
The Blue Door is paving the way for Fredericton's restaurants, from using linen napkins in their dining room, to their "100-mile menu" philosophy. Owners Debbie and Chris Black accepted the award.
Their slogan, "An Ideas Company", speaks to their creativity and innovation, and The Belton Group is using that to urge environmental awareness that is unmatched by many industries. Billy Yvonne and Devin Service accepted the award on behalf of the company.
Room 2 Remember has created more energy efficient and sustainable retail spaces in two locations, and sells many products that are environmentally friendly. Owners Malcolm and Heather Suttie were present to accept their medal.
Along with providing more environmentally certified and organic products, Hang Nails Esthetics Studio uses only 100% paper bags, recycles that passes through studio, and no longer offers clients water bottles but water from a Brita filter instead. Nancy Robison was on hand to receive her medal.
The Fredericton Playhouse has taken many steps on and off the stage to become more environmentally conscious; such as an elaborate recycling system, using environmentally certified cleaning products, and has become more energy efficient as 80% of stage lighting is using half the energy to generate two times the light output! Valerie Hillier accepted the medal on behalf of The Playhouse.
Aitken's Pewter has implemented many worthwhile actionable items, including installing CFLs in the studio and store-front, installing aerators on all faucets, and reducing paper usage. It has also purchased carbon offsets from Chicago Climate Exchange and has thus become carbon-neutral. Martin Aitken was present to accept the medal.
All participating Green Shops are given an official Fredericton Green Shops window decal to alert consumers of their commitment to the environment. Additional Bronze, Silver, and Gold Member decals are supplied when a participating business reaches the required credit threshold.