Zero Waste Newsletter March

Banff strives to be a model environmental community and we need businesses like yours to help us lead the charge.

In this newsletter you’ll receive recognition for your efforts, learn how to stay compliant with the waste bylaw, and save costs while you save the planet.

If you know others who would enjoy receiving this newsletter, please direct them to sign up at banff.ca/notify.

“Waste is one of the most visible platforms to address climate change” (EcoCycle)

Most of us agree that we are lucky to live in a postcard where the world visits. That’s why it’s our job to be ambassadors for the environment and keep it pristine.

Banff needs businesses like yours to stay informed and spread the word as we work toward our waste diversion target of 70% by 2028, and zero waste to landfill by 2050.

Our current diversion rate sits just under 45%. It may seem like we have a long way to go, but with recycling, compost and the zero waste lifestyle becoming more and more common, we are confident that goal is achievable.

New Food Waste Requirement

It’s estimated that 65% of Banff’s waste to landfill comes from the commercial sector, and nearly 50% of that is food waste.

Banff Town Council has passed a bylaw that requires all buildings in Banff to provide infrastructure for diversion of food scraps and food soiled paper. Building owners and property managers are responsible for setting up a system and informing their tenants.
Resources to help businesses comply with the bylaw include:

Starter kit including compostable bags and signage templates
Staff engagement resources
Free waste assessment and consult with Town of Banff staff
Best practices shared from business Trailblazers

Get Started: email zerowaste@Banff.ca

Support a local zero waste business

The Zero Waste Trailblazers have demonstrated excellence in their efforts to reduce waste going to landfill. Most recently, Nourish Bistro and Botega Salon were awarded Trailblazer status. Check out BanffZeroWasteTrail.ca to learn which local businesses have been named Trailblazers.

Interview with Botega Salon
We caught up with Meg Taylor of Botega Salon to hear about why zero waste is important to her as a salon owner in Banff National Park:

TOB: What motivates you to be a zero waste business?

BOTEGA: With the current situation of our planet and waste that is happening due to the pandemic, this is more important now than ever.

TOB: What do you still find challenging when it comes to zero waste?

BOTEGA: We don't really have any struggles, through our partnership with Green Circle Salons, we are recovering and repurposing 95% of beauty, and Flying Pigs recycling plastic, tin foil & glass, the Town of Banff collects our food waste, if our shop dog doesn't dispose of it, they also collect our cardboard. We are surround by recycling options.

TOB: What are you most proud of when it comes to your zero waste initiatives?

BOTEGA: We are doing our part for the environment and ourselves. My biggest goal in life is to be a minimalist and to take care of mother earth as much as we can.

TOB: Did achieving Trailblazer status change anything for your business?

BOTEGA: Yes it put us on the map for Zero Waste, and has helped attract a clientele of like minded people.

TOB: What would be your #1 tip for other businesses (or residents) in Banff?

BOTEGA: Definitely get on board with this, whether or not it is something you believe in!
See how you measure up! Email zero.waste@banff.ca for a waste assessment!

Exciting Food Waste Prevention Pilot!

GOAT is a unique app that allows food businesses (restaurants, coffee shops, grocers and more) to offer unsold food to buyers looking to access food, at a free or affordable price point. The app is geographically competent and links who is offering food with the buyer for a convenient food exchange. GOAT promotes sustainability by facilitating the concept of “Share, Eat, Repeat” and is currently available in Alberta with potential to expand across Canada.

Town of Banff, in partnership with Town of Canmore, the Bow Valley Food Alliance, and GOAT launched the app in the Bow Valley in March. Other than a small transaction fee deducted from each sale made via the app, there is no cost to participate.

More information can be found at https://www.goatgeneration.com/. If you are interested in learning more about participating in the pilot, please email zerowaste@Banff.ca.

Get in touch:
Email us: zerowaste@Banff.ca
Learn more: BanffZeroWasteTrail.ca