About

Following the City of Calgary’s decision to limit recycling service to single-family dwellings, the need for quality multi-family and commercial recycling services was evident. In July 2009, Green Start Initiatives Ltd. was founded to meet this need.

Green Start is Calgary’s premium, contemporary recycling service. From minimizing the use of bins, to operating with a no-sorting policy, our service enables multi-family and commercial developments to offer and mandate green living policies without complicating the simplicity of day-to-day operations.

Since its inception, Green Start has grown from a start-up municipal service provider into a multi-faceted example of vision, tenacity and leadership. The company's commitment to clients is an extension of its commitment to the community it shares - through grassroots outreach programs, Green Start empowers others to contribute to the cause and live the change. Not only a waste management operator, Green Start achieves environmental excellence through a passionate dedication to exercising knowledge. While helping others foster healthy, green communities, Green Start never stops evolving, be it through research and convention attendance or participation in seminars and panel discussions. These experiences enable Green Start to affect change that extends beyond recycling alone.

Strategy

Green Start operates in accordance with the highest of environmental standards, bringing green ideals and fresh solutions to the communities in which it operates.

Immediate - Workplace

As a recent start-up, Green Start has had the opportunity to implement socially and environmentally responsible practices in the workplace, from day one, including:

• installation of energy efficient light bulbs in the work place
• use of EcoLogo approved cleaning products
• implementation of frontload washers for use when cleaning Green Start aprons
• use of hang-dry method instead of electric dryers
• use of 100 per cent post consumer recycled paper for all Green Start business documents, including business cards
• recycling of unused infinite life products, such as desks, tables etc.
• provision of Apple (the greenest) laptops to all employees, so as to prevent the use of desktop computers
• implementation of a 100 per cent where-possible office-place recycling policy (all cardboard, paper, plastics, glass and metals included).
• implementation of 100 per cent where-possible “turn off” policy that ensures all electronics, including laptops etc., are turned off overnight, not left on standby.

Long Term – Workplace

As Green Start further expands its capital, the following green strategies will be implemented:

• establishment of an extended, comprehensive and stringent environmental policy, binding all employees and company operations
• purchase and use of hybrid trucks for all Green Start transportation
• evolution into an 'off the grid' office space
• participation in carbon footprint offset to balance impact of company air travel

The aforementioned comprehensive environmental policy will address such additional areas as:

• composting of food waste
• bike/walk/public transport/carpool rewards for employees
• workplace water conservation, including flow monitors on toilets and taps; rain barrels for washing truck fleet
• use of communication technology to facilitate office operations whilst reducing transportation-related repercussions

Client, Community & Company Outreach

While working to make green easy for clients, Green Start is also working to instill such environmental passion in the next generation of entrepreneurs, providing hands-on work experience and mentoring to the leaders of tomorrow. Green Start's outreach work includes:

• operation of a youth outreach program, in partnership with local Genesis Basketball Club
• leadership of client advisory sessions recommending additional green living methods to supplement waste reduction
• conference and educational workshop attendance, facilitating company improvement and establishing opportunity to collaborate with fellow green leaders, while expanding client base
• membership in Idle-free Calgary, an organization that promotes responsible fuel consumption and eradication of pollution
• partnership with additional local environmental agencies (see Green Start website for complete list)