What’s The Green Deal? Blog

Recycled Batteries - Where do they go?

2012-01-26T14:32:00.007-08:00

Modern electronics could not function without batteries, from sophisticated internal rechargeable cells to the single-use batteries in your emergency flashlight. Besides stored electrons, these batteries also contain complex compounds that can be harmful to the environment. Fortunately, many of these materials are also valuable enough to recover for use in remanufacturing.

Both rechargeable and single-use batteries may be dropped off at your local London Drugs through a program operated by Call2Recycle™ – a free battery and cell phone collection program funded by product manufacturers.

So what happens to old batteries once they leave our stores?

Lithium Ion batteries (one of the more common rechargeable types) are sent to Toxco, in Trail, BC. There, they are cooled to -325° F for safe remote-control processing. (Lithium is a very reactive element at normal temperatures, but much safer to handle when it’s almost as cold as outer space) The recovered lithium is converted to lithium carbonate for reuse. Metals recovered from other battery types at Toxco include nickel, iron, cadmium, lead, and cobalt. Plastic casings and other scrap are converted to energy.

Alkaline batteries are recycled at Inmetco, in Pennsylvania, USA, using a High Temperature Metals Recovery Process (HTMR) with other metal bearing materials, for an overall material recovery rate of 83%. Metals recovered include iron, nickel, manganese, copper, and zinc.

Ni-CAD, Ni-MH, Ni-Zn and single-use batteries are also sent to Inmetco. They are one of the only facilities in North America that recycles nickel-cadmium batteries.
Cadmium is recovered in a special furnace, where it is reduced, vaporized and condensed, producing a minimum 99.95% pure cadmium metal. This reclaimed cadmium can then be used in the production of new nickel-cadmium batteries, in the manufacture of corrosion-resistant coatings and to enhance pigmentation.

So don’t throw all that toxic, valuable material in the trash. Recycle your batteries at London Drugs. It’s well worth that little bit of extra energy.

For more information, call 1-888-224-9764 or visit www.call2recycle.ca

Meet the Green Team: Ken Vannucci - Green meets the Real East Vancouver Deal

2012-01-17T15:35:00.006-08:00

Walking into the office of Ken Vannucci, the first thing that hits you is the scent of fine coffee, as he fresh-grinds a quick batch before brewing it right at his desk. With 9 brands of Fair Trade and/or organic beans in the London Drugs lineup, it’s just one area where Ken’s green passion and product expertise shine.

“Educated customers want to buy ‘green’ when it comes to food,” Vannucci explains, as he steps up to a shelf merchandising diagram on the wall, “Look, we have Kashi, Nature’s Path, Annie’s Naturals, New World Natural Foods... all right next to the traditional brands. And check out these coffees. Ethical Bean, Commercial Drive and Salt Spring are all roasted right here in the Lower Mainland. You won’t find that at other drug stores.”

Being Merchandise Manager for OTC, Vitamins, Diet and Nutrition, Grocery, Baby and Paper products puts even more on his plate, including herbal and homeopathic products.
“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking a product like Melatonin to help you sleep. But maybe you want to try something like Traditional Medicinals Organic ‘Nighty Night’ Tea first, and see if a more natural remedy works for you. Or try a combination of the two to use less medication. And if you have any questions, our pharmacists are right there to answer them. Basically, our role should be to help people do a little better overall. And if natural and organic is part of that for you, we have options.”

So does buying with all these ‘green’ variables in mind make his job more difficult? Vannucci just smiles.

“Sure, it would be easier to stock only traditional big brands. And we obviously love those brands, too. But I think giving people choices like organic, natural or gluten-free is part of the positive impact the grocery section can have on peoples‘ health.”

If that all sounds a bit green and fuzzy for a mainstream retailer, Ken’s 20 years of East-Vancouver practicality quickly puts it in real terms.

“There’s no question we are here to make a profit, but London Drugs management really supports me in longer-term decisions to do the right thing. The bottom line is, I want to give people a chance to buy better stuff without having to mortgage the house.”

We’ll raise a cup of fair-trade java to that.

For more of Ken’s Real Green Deal realism, you can follow him on twitter @KootenayBorn

Happy Green Year! 10 Sustainable Resolutions for 2012

2012-01-04T16:43:00.000-08:00

The tree is at the chipper and the organic eggnog is past its expiry date. So if you are the resolving type, now may be a good time to consider one or two New Years resolutions of the sustainable variety. Here are a few on my list. Because everyone is on their own green journey, I have listed them in ascending order of difficulty. Got any green resolutions of your own? Please comment below and let me know!

Easy as shelling a green bean:

1. Recycle your batteries. Nowadays, all types of batteries can be brought back to your local London Drugs (and many other places as well) with the Call2Recycle program drop-off boxes. I keep a small bag in my kitchen drawer for watch batteries, single-use alkalines and the rechargeables that just won’t recharge any more.
2. Keep track of your mileage. It’s amazing how much difference low tire pressure or a heavy accelerator foot can make to your gas consumption, but you never know until you track it. Note mileage when you fill up and calculate the difference next time you top up. Divide liters into kilometers, move the decimal point a few places over and you get your liters per 100km rating. Example: At last fill, my 2003 Honda Element used 36.07 liters to travel 397 km. 36.07 ÷ 397 = .09 or approximately 9L/100km.
3. Wash your clothes in cold water - Not only is it easier on fabrics, but cold water washing saves energy and money. All it takes is a flick of the switch.

Greener and a little tougher - (more like celery):

4. Take your bike or transit one day a week to work or school. This is a no-brainer if you live downtown, but a lot tougher if you have a rancher in the ‘burbs. Try it anyway, just to see. You may be pleasantly surprised at the fun and exercise, or end up lobbying city hall for better transit service!
5. De-Clutter all of your old electronics and recycle them. From the ancient cell phone in your desk drawer to the old PC in the garage, give up on the idea that you will ever be able to sell them. Take them somewhere you know they will be recycled properly and any leftover data securely destroyed. Like, say, London Drugs.
6. Shop at a farmers market once a month. This is a fun day trip for the family. Take along a little extra cash, because real hand-grown food is generally more expensive than the Food Incorporated variety. But its a great way to remind the kids that food does not grow on shelves.

Deep Hippie Green

7. Know where everything you buy comes from. Read labels. Do some online research on your favourite brands. Do you know where your regular stores’ head offices are? (London Drugs is 100% Canadian owned and headquartered in Richmond, BC) The more you know about global supply chains, the better equipped you will be to vote with your wallet.
8. Buy power bars and really turn off the appliances you aren’t using. ‘Standby Power’, or the small trickle of electricity many appliances use even while in the ‘off’ position, really adds up. (A 1998 study estimated that devices on standby accounted for about 5% of U.S. residential electricity consumption, adding some $3 billion to annual energy costs) Sure, your DVD player will flash 12:00, but do you REALLY need it to tell you the time? Note: Be sure not to disconnect your alarm clock.
9. Commit to using more rechargeable batteries. This is a bit of an expense as you get going, but trust me - you will save money in the long run. And it is quite satisfying to reach for batteries you charged yourself and know that’s one less set of cells that need to be paid for and disposed of.
10. Replace your old major appliances. From the ancient, wheezing, refrigerator to the avocado-coloured washing machine from 1972, to the giant fat-screen TV in the den, old appliances suck. (Water and power that is) Look for the EnerGuide Label and get the most efficient unit that will suit your needs. Like this sweet LCD TV.

Keep on Sustaining!
Most importantly, wherever you are on the great green journey, stay on the course. Every little bit counts, and we are all in this crazy New Year together. That’s the real Green Deal!

The Last-Minute Green Christmas Gift Guide

2011-12-19T11:19:00.002-08:00

Well here it is, a week til Christmas, and as usual I'm just getting started. Good thing London Drugs is open late! I found a basket of greener goodies from $3 and up all in one quick visit. Check out the show and let me know what you think!
Happy Holidays from What's the Green Deal!

The Green Deal Team: Jenny Sine - Green behind the scenes at the London Drugs Warehouse

2011-11-29T09:03:00.006-08:00

The London Drugs Distribution Services Center (DSC) is a building big enough to build jet planes in, loaded with all of the merchandise destined for stores throughout the chain. Merchandise Handler and Trainer Jenny Sine confidently leads me through this cavernous world of darting forklifts, towering racks and a million cardboard boxes, to tell a different side of the What’s the Green Deal story.

“I’ve been working here over 10 years,” she tells me, “Things have changed hugely in that time.”

We pass work stations where handlers pick stock orders. Jenny explains that each station has a series of colour-coded containers for recycling common packing materials. “There’s a place for styrofoam, wrap, and even the plastic strapping. The same coloured containers are all through the DSC so people know where to put things.”

“Making recycling easy for people is the key,” she continues, “It has to be almost right where they trip over it.” She should know. Part of Jenny’s role is to send out ‘Green Flash’ emails to the DSC team, keeping the Green Deal front and centre for them on a regular basis.

“I keep those really short and sweet. Just a simple point every time. It’s supposed to be a ‘flash’, after all.”

The recycling doesn’t end in the warehouse itself. Jenny was instrumental in setting up organics collection for composting in the DSC lunchroom, and a prominent posting area for notes and ideas on recycling and sustainability.

When asked about the results, Jenny says there has been a significant reduction in garbage pickups. “It feels good to know the hard work is making an impact.” she says.

So what is on the green horizon for the DSC?

“I would love to have an annual fun event, where we get out of the DSC and volunteer to clean up an area, or adopt a street or something. It would be fun to get everybody competing to see who can pick up the most trash.”
Jenny admits to taking a little ribbing over her role as the ‘DSC Queen of Green’. “I once got asked if we were going to have to wear green spandex outfits.”

Given Jenny’s Green Deal track record so far, the bright orange DSC safety vest seems to be working just fine.

Now available at London Drugs: A Whole Organic Coffee Store.

2011-11-25T15:19:00.005-08:00

I love coffee. I love all of its nuances of flavour and aroma, from the subtle Sumatran to the richness of a French Roast, to the sharp kick-start of a well-pulled espresso.

I also know that coffee is a global product, with all the labour, environmental and supply-chain sustainability issues that come with it.

So it makes me doubly happy every time I see the awesome selection of organic and fairly-traded beans available right at my local London Drugs. It’s like having a specialty organic coffee store right there in the aisle. At last visit (in Vancouver) I counted 9 different brands, each offering several varieties. Enough to keep my taste buds awake for years. Best of all, it seems there is almost always at least one brand on sale, at prices that would strike fear into the heart of a Starbucks accountant.

Here are some highlights:

Ethical Bean - Certified organic and Fair Trade. Roasted in East Vancouver by a company that buys direct and even provides programs to help the locals. Check out this GreenDeal video if you want to know more.

Salt Spring Coffee - Certified organic and Direct Fair Trade. Used to be roasted on Salt Spring Island BC, now expanded to the Lower Mainland. Bonus points for being carbon-neutral and Bullfrog-Powered.

Commercial Drive Coffee - A recent addition to the stable. Fairly Traded and Rainforest Alliance Certified.

Kicking Horse Coffee - Roasting in Canada for over 15 years. Certified organic, FairTrade and Kosher, they also support the Nature Conservancy of Canada.

Marley Coffee - Started by Bob’s son Rohan, Marley Coffee is certified organic and Fair Trade, with partial proceeds going to youth soccer programs.

Level Ground Trading - Based in Victoria BC. Certified organic and Direct Fair Trade

Doi Chaang - Grown in Thailand, roasted in Canada. Certified organic and Fair Trade.

Pacific Coffee Roasters - Certified organic and Fair Trade. Roasted in Vancouver.

Resiprocate - A division of Canterbury Coffee, certified organic and Fair Trade. They also give back through partnerships with local causes and organizations.

London Drugs Merchandise Manager Ken Vannucci is largely responsible for this wealth of choice, giving local roasting companies more shelf space than any drug store I know of. So whether you are a coffee connoisseur, a tired green shopper or just a discriminating caffeine addict, take a stroll down the green coffee lane at London Drugs.

It’s the real Green Deal!

How Johnson & Johnson received top-10 status in Newsweek’s Green Rankings for Business

2011-11-17T17:05:00.003-08:00

Healthcare giant, Johnson & Johnson, recently was ranked #6 in the US and #26 in the world for their green practices, according to Newsweek’s advisory panel of corporate sustainability experts.

This was the result of some pretty impressive sustainability measurement and improvement for a massive company; they introduced the “Johnson & Johnson Healthy Future 2015” initiative, which lays out its environmental goals for the next few years, reduced greenhouse-gas emissions by 23 percent from 1990 to 2010, recently tripled their solar-energy capacity to 13 megawatts and are one of the largest users of solar energy in the U.S. Between 2005-2010, the company also decreased hazardous waste by 25 percent and non-hazardous waste by 12 percent.

Newsweek’s Green Rankings claim to ‘...cut through the green chatter and compare the actual environmental footprints, management (policies, programs, initiatives, controversies), and reporting practices of big companies.’ The overall ‘Green Score’ is derived from three component scores: Environmental Impact, Environmental Management, and an Environmental Disclosure Score. If you want to dig deeper, you can see more on the full Newsweek methodology here.

Of course, no one company is perfect. Even as this news hits the wire, J&J are responding to claims they have not done enough to deal with ingredients of concern in their product line in different countries.

Still, it is encouraging to see large mainstream companies moving toward a more sustainable future, even as we celebrate the new up-and-coming green brands that are evolving.

The GreenDeal Team: Meet Cedric Tetzel - Merchandise Manager on a Mission

2011-11-02T17:16:00.005-07:00

Do you like your electronics made with less toxins like lead, mercury and cadmium? So does Cedric. As the man in charge of London Drugs’ computer buying, he brings his own practical green sensibility to work every day. That’s why Cedric demands that all London Drugs Certified Data products and Tree Frog brand accessories meet the European RoHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) standard, even though it’s not required by law in North America.

“Electronics manufacturing in Asia is split,” he explains. “You have products made to the European RoHS standard, and the products made to North American, or US standards. When we first started asking for the European standard, we were repeatedly told we didn’t have to, that we could go for the lower standard. But we kept insisting, and now our suppliers know that’s what we expect.”

Cedric has been with London Drugs for more than 16 years, so he knows his business. And even though sustainable thinking is now becoming mainstream, he sees ‘green’ more as an expression of product value.
“You can always buy cheaper, but when you pay a few pennies more up front, you get better materials and better quality. Whether that’s wires that use longer-life copper instead of aluminum, or a better-engineered laptop that will last you 5 years instead of three.”

And Cedric believes green shouldn’t have to cost more. “It’s only more expensive when people aren’t buying enough of it,” he says. “Make a big enough production run and green can be just as affordable.”

Cedric is also working with the rest of the London Drugs merchandise team on some new standards for other aspects of sustainable purchasing. “We are in the process of developing a sustainability survey for our vendors, asking them about things like labour and environmental practices,” he says. “When you make it known that’s what you are looking for, vendors respond. They are businesspeople after all. Our company recognizes and places a priority on sustainability and we want to reward suppliers who contribute to healthy, fair and safe workplaces and practice environmental stewardship.”

Even though Cedric Tetzel deals in the world economy, he also brings his green behavior right down to the grassroots level.

“It’s basically what my Grandma used to do. Chasing kids around, telling them to switch lights off. I even take all the junk faxes I get and clip them together for notepads. Am I cheap? Maybe. But why waste what you don’t use?”

We couldn’t agree more, Cedric. That’s why you are the Real Green Deal!

LED. The evolution of the light bulb.

2011-10-24T14:41:00.007-07:00

There has been a lot of noise recently about the demise of the incandescent bulb and the rise of Compact Fluorescents. In the meantime, LED bulb technology has been getting steadily better and more affordable.
Well, affordability is always relative. An LED will still likely be the most expensive bulb you have ever bought. But when you factor in their 20-year durability and the miserly bit of energy they sip over this impressive lifetime, the math makes good sense for long-term savings.

The light quality has improved as well. I tested the new Philips Ambient LED 12.5 Watt bulb and found the warm light very appealing compared to an old-school ‘cool’ CFL light I had in my vintage lamp. The Ambient LED also comes on instantly, works with dimmer switches and does not hum or buzz. An additional benefit is that it is made without mercury, so does not have the recycling or breakage issues associated with CFL’s.

But back to the long-term math. According to the mini-scientist type on the back of the Philips box, the Ambient LED will use $34.40 worth of electricity over its 25,000-hour life. A 60-watt incandescent bulb would use $165.00 worth under the same conditions.

So perhaps we are seeing an evolution of the light bulb from cheap disposable replacement item to long-term engineered part of your lighting fixtures. In other words, a light bulb you’ll unscrew and take with you when you move.

London Drugs has a selection of LED bulbs for a variety of lighting fixture types. Come in and give them a look. It might be the beginning of a long and beautiful friendship.

Want Greener Home Insurance Options? Sign Here.

2011-10-20T14:34:00.002-07:00

Let’s say you love the green life. You appreciate the value of things like low-VOC paints, eco-friendly construction materials and natural floor coverings. If trouble strikes, will your home insurance share these values? Maybe it’s time to talk to the Insurance Services Department at London Drugs. Purchase a home insurance policy here and you now have 2 green options you can add on to it.

The Optimum GREEN-HOME extension is a bundled package that promotes the use of environmentally friendly materials as an alternative choice in repair or replacement materials. Should damage occur to your home, your package includes up to $10,000 of coverage for the cost difference to replace the home’s original damaged item(s) with an environmentally sound product of similar kind of quality in areas like:

Paint and sealants
Flooring
Home appliances
Light fixtures and bulbs
Faucets, fixtures and toilets
Residential heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
Insulation to the highest “R” value
Doors and windows

The Optimum GREEN-HOME extension also provides a Carbon Offset program. This is an easy way to offset greenhouse gas emissions associated with your residence, by purchasing carbon offsets, (based on a rate per square foot and type of energy used) The program is offered in partnership with Offsetters, a leading Canadian carbon management solutions provider.
For more info on this program, contact the Insurance Services Department at your local London Drugs.

Carry your laptop in a pop bottle. Targus Spruce EcoSmart cases recycle with style.

2011-10-14T15:49:00.004-07:00

I love seeing smart uses of recycled material, and the Targus line of stylish EcoSmart computer cases is a great example. Recycled polyester (made from drink bottles) is one of the success stories of recycling, taking a waste item and upcycling it into a very useable, durable and marketable fabric. Targus has taken this material and engineered a line of cases specifically designed to fit 15.6 - 17-inch laptops, available at your local London Drugs.

Targus Spruce cases also feature metal hardware that is nickel-free (good news for those sensitive to this metal) and plastic components that are recyclable. The cases are also PVC-free, which spares you from that ‘new-vinyl’ smell, and more importantly, helps reduce toxins linked with the manufacture of this polymer.
Targus has brought their considerable case-engineering experience to work on functionality as well, with all the zippered compartments, key clips and accessory space you would expect. Spiffy green interior fabric also makes it easier to dig out your black pen in a dim boardroom.

Beyond these cases though, the Targus EcoSmart Program outlines green changes throughout their company, from a commitment to using renewable office supplies, to developing degradable materials for their other lines of products. From my perspective, this is a respectable start, but lacking a little on measurement and supply-chain detail. Also, their ‘EcoSmart’ button looks a little like it’s trying to imitate a true certification label. (See Making Sense of Green Certifications) Let’s hope Targus continues down the path of sustainability with more great products, initiatives and transparency.

Overall, if you need a case, the Targus Spruce line is a good greener choice. You could be protecting more than just your computer.

Unplugged Small Appliance Recycling Program launches in BC

2011-10-04T15:56:00.004-07:00

Over the past few years, shoppers in BC have been participating in stewardship programs for the recycling of landfill-clogging items such as old tires, car batteries and consumer electronics. Now the same strategy is being put to work to deal with the 2 million old appliances that end up in BC landfills every year.

As of October 1, 2011, the Unplugged Small Appliance Recycling Program has mandated that retailers in B.C. collect Eco Fees when selling small appliances - things like hair dryers, blenders, microwaves and clock radios. These fees are charged on new purchases, which funds the collection and recycling of the old stuff. (Items NOT covered include commercial appliances and anything not powered by electricity) The upside is, your old small appliances can now be dropped off for free at over 100 locations across the province.

At London Drugs we have been accepting and recycling our customers' old small appliances for some time, and we are pleased to continue this service at no charge.

For our customers outside BC, we will continue to accept appliances for free recycling when a replacement is purchased in our stores. And whenever you recycle with London Drugs you know all your old appliances and electronics are disassembled responsibly, right here in BC.

Here is a sample of the small appliance fees we are now required by law to collect in British Columbia (Eco Fees are added automatically when the product is scanned and will show on a separate line on your receipt)

Product Category | Description | Recycling Fee

1 | Kitchen Countertop Motorized (e.g. blender) | $2.25
2 | Kitchen Countertop Heating (e.g. toaster) | $2.25
3 | Kitchen Countertop Coffee/Tea (e.g. Coffee Maker) | $2.00
4 | Large Microwave (1 cubic foot and over) | $10.00
5 | Small Microwave (Less than I cubic foot) | $7.50
6 | Time Measurement (e.g. Clock) | $0.75
7 | Weight Measurement (e.g. Bathroom scale) | $2.75
8 | Garment Care (e.g. Iron) | $1.00
9 | Air treatment (e.g. Air purifier) | $2.25
10 | Desk and Tabletop Fans | $1.25
11 | Personal Care (e.g. Hair Dryer) | $1.00
12 | Large Floor Cleaning (e.g. Carpet Cleaner) | $5.25
13 | Small Floor Cleaning (e.g. Handheld Vacuum) | $1.00
14 | Designated very small Items (e.g. Air Freshener) | $0.25

These Eco Fees are designed to deliver significant environmental benefits, covering the cost of collecting and recycling the product. Consumers of these products now share the cost of recycling rather than all taxpayers paying for landfilling or incineration.

Fees collected go to The Canadian Electrical Stewardship Association (CESA), a not-for-profit agency comprised of manufacturers, distributors and retailers. CESA chose the Product Care Association (managers of the CFL recycling program), to be the program manager for the BC Small Appliances Recycling Program.

BC Environment Minister Terry Lake said in a press release, “These programs have helped put B.C. on the map as an environmental leader, and we are happy to continue this tradition.”

And London Drugs will continue to lead the way by making recycling as easy as possible for our customers. That's the real Green Deal.

Method develops new recycled bottle from plastic ocean litter.

2011-09-21T17:28:00.007-07:00

At London Drugs, we think Method is the real Green Deal, and here’s one more reason why. They have now created a new recycled bottle made in part from waste plastic from the sea.

The "Ocean Bottle" was introduced September 15th in San Francisco by Method founders Adam Lowry and Eric Ryan. It is made from 100 percent high-density polyethylene plastic, 25 percent of which has been recovered from the ocean. This ‘ocean plastic’ is a significant problem, especially in an area called the North Pacific Gyre, a slow swirling current zone where marine plastic goes to die. According to some estimates, the amount of plastic collected in the Gyre is twice the size of Texas.

The Method company is well known for their work in green chemistry, water management and resource-conscious packaging. Nearly all Method bottles are made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic. But not even Method could clean up the whole North Pacific Gyre and its mega-tons of plastic trash. In fact, according to Lowry, most of the sea-waste for the method bottles will come from more local sources.
"There are a number of beach cleanup organizations that work here in California and Hawaii that are regularly cleaning up this plastic [as it washes ashore from the North Pacific Gyre and its Great Pacific Garbage Patch]. Our model is to intercept that plastic and divert the portion that we can use to our recycler in Southern California.”

The main goal, says Lowry, is to raise awareness of plastic pollution. Judging from the fact that San Fransisco’s Mayor declared September 15th 2011 ‘Official Method Day’, it seems to be working. Find out more from the official GreenBiz.com article here.

We’re not sure which Method product(s) the Ocean Bottle will ultimately be used for, but Green Deal will keep you posted, so stay tuned.

Photo by Leslie Guevarra, GreenBiz.com
Lisa P. Jackson of the EPA, Adam Lowry of Method and Karen Mills of the SBA. The ocean bottle is on the left.

How to control fruit flies without poisoning your pad.

2011-09-01T11:11:00.005-07:00

At this time of year, kitchens are filled with the bounty of summer’s harvest; ripe berries, healthy fruit and of course, fruit flies. Thankfully, Drosophilidae are not as bloodthirsty as mosquitoes, but they breed like small winged rabbits and are surprisingly difficult to squish.

If you want to control the annual pilgrimage of these pests without coating your organic bananas in a fog of toxic insecticide, take a look at the Tanglefoot Fruit Fly Trap. It’s basically a small jar that holds a natural attractant and a piece of sticky card. A special entrance tunnel means the flies can check in anytime they like, but find it hard to leave. It’s odourless and non-toxic. The lure and sticky cards are refillable, so you can use the trap year after year, and it really works. (Our family has successfully used the Tanglefoot trap for the last two fruit fly seasons)
Tanglefoot also makes traps for house flies, pantry moths and wasps.

Now if only they could develop a snare for annoying summer house guests...

London Drugs stores now recycling up to 88% of their waste.

2011-08-29T14:53:00.006-07:00

One of London Drugs’ main green objectives is to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. This is no small task. (If you have taken on the challenge of recycling in your own home, imagine doing it for an entire retail store!) Fortunately, our employees are up to the challenge, and all of our stores are now diverting a significant amount of waste from landfills. Two of our BC stores, Coquitlam and Delta, have set the bar quite high indeed, each diverting an impressive 88% of their waste to recycling programs.

“It is truly a team effort to ensure that we recycle and re-use.” Says one Coquitlam employee. “We have several “green champions” within the store, who assist in separation of waste and recycled materials before shipping to ensure that nothing “gets through”. In particular, our receivers are highly educated in this process and have taken personal ownership of our recycling system.”

But this recycling achievement is more than just a feel-good story. According to calculations from our waste hauling partner, each store has conserved the equivalent of over 600 mature trees, saved over 200,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity and reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over 88 metric tonnes.

That’s a pretty good grade.

Got old media tapes to recycle? Fast-Forward them to London Drugs.

2011-08-17T13:28:00.006-07:00

London Drugs accepts VHS tapes and other recorded media for recycling. (Maximum 16 per visit, with purchase*)

Whether it’s blurry old digital video footage of that trip to Vegas or a VHS copy of Meatballs II, getting rid of unwanted media can be a challenge. London Drugs is pleased to announce we are now able to offer our customers drop-off recycling for virtually all recordable media or media storage devices that London Drugs sells. Simply bring your tapes and media (maximum 16 items) to your local London Drugs Customer Service counter along with your receipt for purchase of like or new items.*

CD’s and DVD’s are shredded for recovery of the aluminum. Tapes are recycled through a waste-to-energy program, where they will be used to generate electricity. So don’t trash your old tapes. Bring them in and help keep more material out of our landfills.

*As we cannot accept unlimited amounts of material, we must limit our take-back to 16 items with the purchase of like or new items at our stores. This limit will help us offer this recycling service to more customers, rather than just to a few who bring in excess material.

GreenDeal 101 – ECO-Fees and Product Stewardship

2011-07-12T13:18:00.004-07:00

Let’s say you come into London Drugs and pick up a Compact Fluorescent Bulb for your hall light. At the checkout, (in BC) you will notice there’s something called a ‘CFL Levy’ of 25 cents added to the bill. It’s an environmental fee, which funds the recycling programs that take care of disposal when the bulb has reached the end of its long and efficient life. So who collects these fees? Why do we need them, and where do they go?

Product Stewardship - Industry and consumers taking care of the mess.
CFL bulbs are just the latest in a long line of products to receive eco-levies. In the 1990’s, municipal and Provincial governments realized they were paying a lot to handle the increasing waste from the products we throw away. In response, they began to legislate product producers to be responsible for recycling products, beginning with the most difficult-to-dispose-of items, such as paint, tires and lead-acid batteries. In BC, these programs were implemented in the form of industry-led stewardship associations responsible for the collection and recycling of old products.

Those who produce and use the products pay.
To fund these organizations, levies are set and passed on to the consumer. This was seen as a fairer way to fund recycling than using tax revenue. Fees can either be visible or invisible. Visible fees are fees charged at the retail level and shown on the consumer’s receipt while invisible fees are included in the cost of product.

Where does the money go?
The association responsible for your CFL bulb fee is Lightrecycle, managed by ProductCare. I followed our 25 cents into the stewardship system by talking with ProductCare Controller and Project Manager, Vnit Nath.
“The fees are sent to Product Care, and we use them to set up systems, then fund collection depots, transport and processing of the recycled products.” Vnit explained. “We also fund education and outreach programs to engage the public. All recycling must be done by certified processors, and our association is subject to a financial audit, which is publicly available.”

BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Nova Scotia have all implemented stewardship plans, and other jurisdictions are following suit.
In Alberta and Ontario, stewardship associations are quasi-governmental organizations. You can find a good overview of provincial (and a few US) associations here. Plans are in place for electronics and small appliances and will eventually be set up for larger appliances, packaging and more. It means more eco-fees, but savings for our municipalities and less waste. That’s worth more than a few cents at the checkout.

Links to find out more:

Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA)

BC Ministry of Environment Product Stewardship

Saskatchewan Waste Electrical Equipment Program

Province-by-Province Stewardship Overview

BC Product Stewardship Model Video

Sunscreen - What’s the Green Deal on not turning pink?

2011-06-27T17:00:00.001-07:00

Well, it’s officially time to write the sunscreen blog, even though (in Vancouver anyway) the golden orb has been a bit of a no-show so far. London Drugs has a huge variety of sunscreen choices, and talking to a Beauty Advisor will get you way more info than can be listed here. But I wanted to feature a few alternative options to consider if living a little greener is one of your summer priorities.

What are Mineral Sunscreens and why are they becoming more popular?
Most sunscreens work by being absorbed into the skin, where their chemicals then absorb UVA and UVB rays. Mineral sunscreens don’t get absorbed the same way. They stay on the skin’s surface, creating a barrier (of zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) to reflect the sun’s rays. Some people prefer the idea of surface protection, and others may find mineral formulas less irritating to sensitive skin. An additional benefit is that mineral sunscreens work as soon as you apply them – you don’t have to wait for them to soak in.

Nature’s Gate Mineral Kids SPF 20
Pediatrician tested and specially developed for children's sensitive skin, this fragrance-free formula offers UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. It’s also paraben free. All the ingredients are listed on their website, which we at What’s the Green Deal always appreciate.
Badger SPF 30 Lightly Scented and Unscented
These formulas have 18.5% uncoated, non-nano zinc oxide as their active ingredient. Totally natural and chemical-free, the Badger website says they are naturally water resistant, safe for children of all ages and block both UVA and UVB rays. Extra Green Deal points for their 50% post-consumer-recycled #2 plastic packaging as well.
Burts Bees Sunscreen with Hemp Seed Oil
The Burts Bees website calls this a ‘chemical-free’ sunscreen, as its active ingredient, titanium dioxide, occurs naturally as the mineral rutile. Like all BB products, it’s also paraben-free and petrochemical free.
Hawaiian Tropic Island Sport 30 Biodegradable
It’s important to note that just because chemical sunscreens get absorbed, that doesn’t mean they are bad. And some, like this biodegradable Hawaiian Tropic product, can be considerably better for sensitive environments. When chemicals from regular sunscreen wash off into the ocean, they may interact with marine creatures, including coral reefs. For this reason, Mexico allows only biodegradable sunscreen. Sport 30 comes in a recyclable bottle with a nifty interlocking 60ml size, which unfortunately uses more plastic in its manufacture. But if you refill the smaller bottle, at least it’s convenient and reusable. Fish may thank you.

But none of this matters if you don’t apply it enough.
Almost all research drives this point home. Most of us apply our sunscreen too little, too late and forget to reapply after 2 hours. (Yes, every 2 hours!) So whether you choose mineral, biodegradable or chemical sunscreen, keep slapping it on. Or you will be the real RED deal.

Debrand Recycles London Drugs’ Christmas Decorations - a gift that keeps on giving.

2011-06-15T08:55:00.008-07:00

Christmas shopping can have a magical feeling, but once those oversized decorations have done their job in London Drugs stores, where do they go? To solve this challenge, London Drugs worked with Debrand - a unique company who specializes in repurposing the awkward, the branded and the difficult-to-recycle materials that corporations inevitably collect.

The Christmas decorations in this case were not made from recyclable materials, and they are too big to be used at home. So Debrand began contacting places where they might be re-used in larger spaces. Ultimately, they found a new home through local school boards, who will be distributing the re-usable decorations for use in schools, continuing to spread holiday cheer. Thanks, Debrand team!

For next year, maybe Santa will bring us recyclable store decorations... that would be the REAL Red & Green Deal!

Green cosmetics are more than skin-deep.

2011-05-25T16:24:00.008-07:00

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and it readily absorbs almost anything rubbed, swabbed or caked on it. One recent study identified some heavy metals (in trace amounts) in cosmetics tested in Canada. (Note, only one brand sample showed amounts greater than Health Canada allows, and London Drugs does not carry it)

It is unclear whether the metal traces resulted from impurities, ingredients or the presence of background levels of metals present in our environment. But as with anything that goes in, on, or around our bodies it’s worth taking a closer look. So let’s look at cosmetic ingredients, labeling and options with a green eye. (Or at least a green eye-shadow)
Cosmetics Regulations

Health Canada has regulations regarding ingredients and labeling for cosmetics. These regulations make sure ingredient names conform to the world INCI nomenclature standard so people are able to easily identify substances to which they may have sensitivities. In addition, Health Canada has identified a list of ingredients that are prohibited or restricted in cosmetics sold in this country. All cosmetics that London Drugs sells meet these Health Canada standards. London Drugs requires each cosmetic manufacturer to supply a copy of its ‘Health Canada Cosmetic Notification Form’ as filed with Health Canada prior to selling product in our retail stores.

Greener Cosmetic Options
For those customers that want to go a step further, London Drugs carries some brands that focus on natural and environmentally-friendly ingredients and do a good job of describing all ingredients on their websites.

Lavera Cosmetics
A German company founded in 1987, Lavera offers products that are free of synthetic additives. Their ingredients are derived from organic farming methods, which help to lower the amount of toxins and pesticides in the environment.
Lavera products contain no animal raw materials, synthetic or petrochemical derived compounds, or genetically modified organisms. They even offer options that are certified vegan. All Lavera products are certified in Germany with the BDIH Certified Natural Cosmetics seal of approval.

Physicians Formula Organic Wear
This line of cosmetics’ claim to fame is ‘100% free of harsh chemicals, synthetic preservatives and parabens’. Products are certified by Eco-Cert, an internationally-recognized organic certification, and they even offer a patent-pending eco-conscious paper compact container that uses 93% less plastic than a traditional compact.
If you want to know more, stop by London Drugs and talk with a Beauty Advisor.

In search of the greener shave.

2011-05-03T11:02:00.005-07:00

As with all things ‘green’, the simplest acts sometimes raise the most complicated calculations. Today we look at the world of shaving, and examine the green options for clear-cutting our endlessly renewable body hair.

Option 1: Just don’t do it.
The greenest way to go is to sport the playoff beard (and legs?) all year long. Works for some people. Others find they may not have the facial follicles to effectively pull off the Lumberjack look.

Option 2: The Old School is the Green School
More straight razors have probably been bought for slasher flick props than shaving, but if you have steady nerves and can get past the creep factor, these are the most re-usable shaving devices around. Grab extra recycled toilet paper to put on all your cuts.

The safety blade system, with a shaving mug and lather, is pretty green. I have been using the same handle for over 25 years, and go through a 10-pack of Wilkinson Sword's Classic Blades in just under a year. Williams Mug Shaving Soap makes months of nice fresh lather for only $1.99 a cake.

You can also use the brush & soap lather system with disposable razors if you want to avoid extra packaging on bottles and cans of gel or foam.
Pacific All-Natural Shaving Oil is another product option that lowers your lather footprint.

Option 3: Semi-Disposable Systems
For ladies and cycle racers, the Schick Intuition Naturals system offers a decent compromise. You will still have to throw away blade cartridges (with built-in lubricant) and eventually dispose of the handle someday as well. But the packaging is much better than anything else in the category, with 55% post-consumer recycled paperboard for the boxes and 25% post-consumer recycled content for the window on the shaver unit. Add to this the fact that you don’t need to use or dispose of additional packaging for shaving cream or gel, as the blades have lubrication built right in. I don’t shave my legs, personally, but found many positive reviews of this product online for comfort as well.

Option 4: Feel the buzz - go electric.
A high quality electric shaver that will last is a pretty good choice. It saves on water use, and if your electricity comes from hydroelectric power that’s even better. Bonus points if you can somehow charge your shaver with a solar panel. London Drugs has quite a few choices in this category.

As you can see, calculating the best ‘green’ choice sometimes raises more questions than it answers. Maybe let your stubble grow an extra day or two as you think about it. Every little bit counts.

The StyroCycle hits the Small Screen with a YouTube video.

2011-04-22T11:27:00.002-07:00

See the construction and launch of London Drugs newest recycled media vehicle with this Making of the StyroCycle video epic. Feel the tension as our construction team wrestles styrofoam blocks under a crushing deadline. Watch as this custom Pedicab cruises the streets of one of Canada's most beautiful cities, spreading the word about London Drugs customers' recycling achievements. Happy Earth day and Happy Easter to all, and remember to Bring Back the Pack!

The London Drugs StyroCycle

2011-04-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

The London Drugs StyroCycle stops everyone from Ministers to Mayors as it rolls out the recycling message in Victoria.

It’s the latest in human-powered recycling billboard technology. The StyroCycle cruises bike paths and shopping malls, literally stopping traffic and getting stares all over the Capital Regional District. Looking like a huge stack of Styrofoam tottering down the street, it’s an eye-popping way to show just how successful our customers have been in diverting waste from landfill with London Drugs recycling.

On April 19th, London Drugs VP Clint Mahlman and Maury McCausland from Retail Operations joined our Store 29 Manager Dan Kartz and Zone Manager Darryl Galick to discuss Styrofoam recycling and our unique Bring Back the Pack packaging take-back program. Throughout the day the StyroCycle visited the Bike to Work Week launch at City Hall, cruised the busy downtown streets and was filmed by local TV crews and the BC Government Caucus video team.

We were further honoured to show the StyroCycle to local leaders, including Mayor Dean Fortin and BC Minister of the Environment Terry Lake.

Mayor Fortin expressed his appreciation for the recycling dedication of London Drugs customers.
“We and many other municipalities are starting to have challenges. The current landfills are getting full. Whether you are worried about the planet or you’re worried about your back yard, these are the efforts that make a difference. ..Thank you for leading the way.”

Minister Lake was also impressed.
“People want to have a company that looks at the whole life cycle of the product… Companies that take responsibility, that are leaders, encourage other companies to do the same thing.”

The StyroCycle is powered by Andrew Capeau, President and owner of Victoria Pedicab, who has been instrumental in spreading the recycling word amongst the bemused local populace. “People are not only noticing, they are loving it.” Andrew says, “And these downtown shoppers at LD on Yates are recycling gurus.”

London Drugs VP Clint Mahlman summed it up. “As a company, London Drugs has improved waste diversion by over 65% in the last 4 years. If we’re generating waste it’s our responsibility to find creative ways to ensure it doesn’t end up in the landfills.” On that count, the StyroCycle definitely qualifies.

Watch for the StyroCycle at Victoria London Drugs locations and local events this April. If you see it, ask Andrew for a ride. It’s on the house.

Find out more at greendeal.ca

London Drugs VP Clint Mahlman (L) with BC Minister of Environment Terry Lake (R)

BC Minister of Environment Terry Lake (L) with London Drugs VP Clint Mahlman (R)

Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin (L) Victoria Pedicab Company President Andrew Capeau (C) and London Drugs VP Clint Mahlman (R)

London Drugs VP Clint Mahlman (L) discusses recycling with Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin (R)

L to R: London Drugs Zone Manager Darryl Galick, VP Clint Mahlman, Andrew Capeau, President and owner of Victoria Pedicab, Maury McCausland from Retail Operations and Store 29 Manager Dan Kartz

London Drugs Victoria takes styrofoam recycling message on the road with a human-powered billboard.

2011-04-09T20:25:00.000-07:00

It's the London Drugs StyroCycle, a rolling pedicab showcase of the recycling achievements of London Drugs customers. The StyroCycle is cruising the streets of Victoria and visiting store locations, offering free rides, recycling advice and promoting our unique Bring Back the Pack packaging take-back program. It also proudly tells the tale of the 90,000 lbs of styrofoam our customers have kept from landfills in the last three years.

The StyroCycle is powered by the Victoria Pedicab Company, and manned by VPC President Andrew Capeau. It was built with styrofoam from the London Drugs recycling stream, and insulation sheets reclaimed from construction waste. Naturally, the structure and signage are also designed to ultimately be almost completely recyclable.

On April 8th, the skies graced us with sunny weather and the StyroCycle was launched to crowds of bemused, curious and interested Victorians. We have documented the construction and launch of this unique media vehicle and we will release the YouTube video as soon as it is edited.

This public engagement machine is part of a Victoria Bring Back the Pack Green Deal campaign. It will be visiting the four Victoria stores throughout April and cruising the streets and bike paths as weather permits.

StyroCycle Captain Andrew Capeau summed it up in his blog: “I must say that as a pedicab operator I am used to curious stares but what I saw this weekend was beyond my expectations. I am seeing double takes, triple takes and even full on stops with fingers pointing. People are not only noticing, they are loving it. Skateboarders to baby stroller pushers are giving me the thumbs up. I'm posing for pictures, high fives are exchanged...it's a love-in, baby!”

So if you live in the Capitol Region or know someone who does, tell them to look out for the StyroCycle, get a free ride and remember to Bring Back the Pack!

London Drugs wins Saskatchewan Waste Minimization Award

2011-03-30T20:28:00.001-07:00

The message of waste reduction is spreading across the country. Thanks to the hard work of the employees at store 63 in Regina, and stores 65 and 62 in Saskatoon, (and their customers!) London Drugs has been recognized with a Saskatchewan Waste Minimization Award this year in the 'Corporate Leadership' category.
This award was judged on the basis of percentage of waste diverted in 2010, the environmental benefits of this diversion, and the sustainability of the program.
Way to go, team!
For more information on waste minimization in Saskatchewan, check out the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council website. 