Written by Kirsty Smyth, Zero Waste Program Manager
In partnership with GFL Environmental and the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), AWARE delivers From Waste to Action, a campaign helping local businesses reduce landfill waste and improve diversion rates, with a focus on food waste.
The Waste Issue
The volume of waste we produce is a growing global challenge because:
- Landfill waste produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas, which is harmful to the atmosphere
- Waste can contaminate waterways and soil with harmful chemicals and microplastics
- Landfill waste sites can be harmful to wildlife
Why does zero waste matter for your business?
Reducing waste isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for business:
- Lower costs: Buying less, reusing more, and reducing landfill hauling saves money
- Regulatory compliance: Sea-to-Sky businesses must meet waste separation requirements and can face penalties for non-compliance
- Customer expectations: Consumers increasingly support environmentally responsible brands
- Long-term viability: Healthy ecosystems underpin a healthy economy – there is no business on a dead planet
How do I move my business towards zero waste?
- Conduct a waste audit
Track what your business throws away over a week or month. Identifying patterns helps you reduce unnecessary waste and costs.
- Use the waste hierarchy
The waste hierarchy is an important tool for sustainable waste management, ranking strategies from most to least environmentally preferred. Prioritize reducing and reusing before recycling or disposal. Prevention is the most effective strategy.
- Sort out your systems
Make sure the signage on each of your bins is clear! Employees should be able to clearly see what goes in each waste stream to minimize contamination.
- Make sure you have (and use) a compost bin
Organic waste in landfill creates methane. In Whistler, nearly 40% of landfill waste could be composted—diverting it makes a measurable difference.
- Educate your team and clients
Simple actions—like encouraging reusable items or reducing printing—build a culture of sustainability.
- Connect locally
Items you no longer need may be valuable to schools, charities, or other businesses. Sharing resources keeps materials in use longer.
- Expert support
AWARE’s From Waste to Action campaign offers free tools, training, and support – especially for food-related businesses – helping you take practical steps toward waste reduction. Please reach out if you would like to learn more.
FREE BUSINESS SUPPORT SIGN UP FORM HERE
This campaign is made possible thanks to the generous support of GFL Environmental.
