Squamish businesses who have made a commitment to environmental sustainability are invited to apply for the right to call themselves winners of the Squamish Green Business Award for 2011.
The award, sponsored by the Squamish Chamber of Commerce and the Squamish Climate Action Network (CAN), is given to a local business that has demonstrated a commitment to environmental sustainability, be it through support for environmental causes or through policies and practices that demonstrate environmental stewardship.
Ana Santos, Squamish CAN coordinator and Chamber director, kicked off the nomination period during the Chamber's monthly luncheon on Tuesday (March 15) at the Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Co.
She said that while people often refer to her as an environmentalist, "my main concern is actually with quality of life, and in terms of quality of life, there are three components: environmental, social and economic.
"Squamish CAN is trying very hard to bring all three aspects of our community together."
Kim Ebers, a Squamish CAN director, said the award aims to recognize businesses that "taking a lead role in our community and working to find solutions."
She said those who choose the winner will be looking at the businesses' overall commitment to the environment, actions, communication, adaptability to change and willingness to innovate.
David McRae, president of Triack Resources, winner of the inaugural Green Business Award in 2010, said he sometimes refers to himself as "an environmental industrialist" for seeking to turn former "waste" products that would otherwise go into landfills into something useful.
Businesses wishing to be considered for the award, and non-business owners who know of a worthy candidate, may download an application form at squamishcan.ning.com or pick one up at the Visitor Information Centre counter at the Adventure Centre. Submissions will be accepted until April 15 at noon. If you have questions, email [email protected]. The winner will be recognized at Squamish's first-ever Re-Use-It Fair on April 16 at the Adventure Centre.
