Park Royal Shopping Centre and Metro Vancouver search through trash for waste reduction solutions
West Vancouver, BC; October 23, 2008 –Metro Vancouver and Park Royal Shopping Centre today launched a waste reduction pilot project with an event called The Great Trash Tip. During the event, two massive garbage compactors full of waste and recycling were tipped into the Park Royal’s parking lot and examined by garbage inspectors. The event coincided with Canada’s Waste Reduction Week.
The event officially launched Park Royal and Metro Vancouver’s waste reduction pilot project, which began in September when the shopping centre’s garbage was first inspected at the North Shore Transfer Station. Following the inspections, Metro Vancouver will provide Park Royal with a report that inventories the contents of the centre’s garbage containers.
“The best way to reduce garbage is to not have garbage in the first place,” said Metro Vancouver Director Marvin Hunt who is chair of the region’s Waste Management Committee. “We are very pleased that Park Royal is demonstrating the necessary leadership in the business community to help us achieve our goal of Zero Waste.”
“Park Royal is committed to reducing waste,” says Cindy Papa, Director of Marketing & Sustainability for the Centre. “We are proud to be a part of this initiative and look forward to sharing the results with others to ultimately reduce unnecessary waste being sent to the landfill.”
The current inventory of Park Royal’s garbage will serve as a benchmark, and both the Region and the Shopping Centre hope to see a significant reduction in the amount of waste when it is inspected again several months down the road.
“Our hope is that the Park Royal waste reduction project becomes a model that we can apply at shopping centres right across the Metro Vancouver area,” continued Hunt.
Park Royal and Metro Vancouver search for waste reduction solutions
Park Royal has demonstrated a commitment to integrating green practices into its operations and is working towards becoming the first sustainable regional shopping centre in Canada. To achieve this, the shopping centre has adopted a framework of sustainability principles that it uses to inform everyday decisions. Park Royal’s overall sustainability policies enable the shopping centre to operate in harmony with the environment and the surrounding community. More information on Park Royal’s commitment to sustainability can be found at www.sustainableparkroyal.com
About Metro Vancouver
Metro Vancouver is a confederation of 22 member municipalities (and Electoral Area A) that provides utility services (drinking water, sewerage and solid waste management), planning and regulation, and political leadership on behalf of its 2.3 million residents. Sustainability is the foundation of the organization’s planning and operational philosophy. As part of the Zero Waste Challenge, Metro Vancouver has committed to increasing the diversion of waste from disposal to 70 percent (from the current 52 percent) through enhanced reduce, reuse and recycling initiatives.
About Park Royal
Park Royal Shopping Centre and The Village at Park Royal features 1.2 million square feet of retail set in a regional shopping centre and an adjoining lifestyle centre. Situated at the foot of the landmark Lions Gate Bridge and minutes from downtown Vancouver, Park Royal maintains an established presence in the marketplace and offers a casual sophistication that appeals to the vibrant Vancouver consumer.
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For more information, contact:
Cindy Papa
Director of Marketing & Sustainability
cpapa@parkroyal.ca
604.922.3211 office / 604.923.4714 direct
Glenn Bohn, corporate communications and media relations
Metro Vancouver
604-451-6697 office / 604-314-5964 cell