Banff celebrated the first eight organizations to receive Zero Waste Trailblazer Awards at an event at Banff Centre today.
The businesses and institutions are being honoured for their efforts to move Banff towards its goal to eliminate waste going to landfill by 2050. Profiles of the businesses are available at banffzerowastetrail.ca/commercial
“I am sincerely grateful to these organizations for their work and their dedication to reducing our impact on the environment, locally and globally,” said Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen. “The world expects Banff to be a leader in environmental protection, and these businesses are demonstrating that we can deliver if more organizations follow their leadership and commit to waste prevention, reduction and diversion strategies.”
The eight organizations were selected based on 10 categories and 20 certification criteria relating to waste reduction and diversion practices, measured results, and related environmental protection initiatives.
The Town of Banff launched the Zero Waste Trail program in 2019 to help restaurants, hotels and other organizations reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. At least 65% of Banff’s waste going to landfill comes from the commercial sector, and almost 50% of that waste is food.
The Zero Waste Trail program invites businesses and institutions to register for a free consultation and assessment of procedures, training, infrastructure and diversion measurements. Businesses are provided solutions advice, mentorship from other leading businesses, free signage and training resources, and suggestions for cost-saving strategies.