VANCOUVER, British Columbia — London Drugs has received the national Canadian Stewardship Award for its efforts in recycling and environmental advocacy and education.
The western Canada drug chain said Tuesday that it took top honors in the business category for its "What’s the Green Deal?" program at the 2013 Conference on Canadian Stewardship.
Since its launch in 2008, What’s the Green Deal? has accounted for more than 42 million pounds of materials recycled, including Styrofoam, batteries, computers, televisions, cell phones, paper, plastic, cardboard and metals. Customers can see which products can be recycled through London Drugs at greendeal.ca.
The Canadian Stewardship Award recognizes the achievements of a business that has made a significant contribution, through leadership or advocacy, towards environmental stewardship and producer responsibility.
"London Drugs perfectly fit the purpose of the Canadian Stewardship Award," Mark McKenney, president of the Canadian Product Stewardship Council, said in a statement. "By taking a leadership position in managing materials sold from their retail stores, London Drugs offers their customers in-store recycling that goes beyond what is mandated by regulations. They work with their buyers and suppliers to improve their product stewardship responsibilities by communicating with customers in-store and online with a dedicated website, blogs, videos and social media."
Maury McCausland, administrator of retail operations at London Drugs, accepted the award on behalf of the drug chain, which has 77 drug stores across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
"Being recognized at the national level is a testament to the enthusiastic support of our employees and customers who continue to help London Drugs succeed with our innovative recycling and waste diversion efforts," McCausland stated. "We are proud of the achievements of our employees and customers in reducing waste, but we realize the journey to sustainability is one that never ends. That’s why What’s the Green Deal? is a question we will continue to ask ourselves, even as we endeavor to answer it."
London Drugs added that it recently marked a milestone with the removal of a waste disposal bin at its St. Albert, Alberta, store which has achieved a nearly 100% waste diversion rate. The chain said its overall waste diversion rate rose from 67% in 2011 to 74% in 2012. Individual stores have advanced even further, with a chainwide goal to achieve 95% waste diversion by 2015.
