The City of Brandon in partnership with the Brandon Chamber of Commerce launched the Brandon Green Business Awards for the second year in a row earlier this fall.
The purpose of the Brandon Green Business Awards is to recognize and celebrate businesses that have taken the initiative to employ efforts in sustainability, water conservation, and waste diversion efforts. After reviewing several applications, the City of Brandon has announced there are two recipients this year:
· Spruce Woods Housing Co-op
· The Green Spot Home and Garden
Spruce Woods Housing Co-op is a non-profit organization that provides affordable housing in Brandon. With 40 townhouses and 41 apartments, the Spruce Woods Housing Co-op has implemented several green initiatives that not only help lower costs for tenants, but also has a positive effect on the environment. Efforts include changing all lighting to LED lights, using several water saving features in all kitchens and bathrooms, and introducing a water saving policy to encourage tenants to only water their lawns early morning or late evening. Each tenant received a free garden box so that they can grow their own fresh fruits and vegetables. Future initiatives include the plan to purchase rain barrels.
The Green Spot Home and Garden is a locally-owned business that offers a full greenhouse year round with several amenities on site. The Green Spot Home and Garden practices running a green business in more than just one way by ensuring that waste cardboard, soil and plant materials, and packaging paper are sent to the proper distribution sites for recycling or composting. In addition, they bi-annually collect garden plastics (#2, #5, #6) from customers, combine with their own used garden plastics and other garden centres in Manitoba, to re-use what they can and send the remainder to be shredded and recycled.
They also opened a Manitoba Foods Market section which primarily sells food products produced in Manitoba. Where possible, they market products made from recycled plastic. Future initiatives include considering the plan to install solar panels on site.
The City of Brandon congratulates both the Spruce Woods Housing Co-op and the Green Spot Home & Garden on their green initiatives and thanks all of those who applied.
There’s more information about the City of Brandon’s Green Business Awards at City of Brandon – Brandon’s Green Business Award
