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Sustainable Office - Recycle - Green Finishes -
Local Solutions tries to demonstrate that business can be a positive force for sustainability. We reflect our values in the decisions we make about everyday operations, such as office supplies, furnishings, energy use and transportation choices. Our goal is to continually reduce our environmental impacts. We are always learning and striving to improve, so please let us know if you have some ideas you’d like to share.
Transportation
We bike & bus where possible, and make longer distance travel decisions based on more than convenience and financial cost. A home-based office allows Angela to achieve a minimum of one car free work day almost every week.
Local Business
Local Solutions is a member of the Victoria Values Based Business Network. We also prefer to patronize local services and trades people, especially those within walking distance.
Community
Angela has volunteered for local, city and regional level organizations related to community planning, environmental and street calming issues since moving to Victoria in 1996. The home-based office looks out onto the street, increasing local safety and sociability.
Financing
We bank with VanCity Credit Union due to their history of strong support for local social and environmental causes.
Interior Finishes and Furnishings
| Item |
Benefits |
| Custom made desk/counter top, formaldehyde free, finished with non-toxic plant-based oils |
Avoids off-gassing, toxic production byproducts, and worker impacts from glues, laminates, & urethanes. |
| Wool Carpet |
Reduces need for supplemental heating by being warm underfoot; eliminates off-gassing & smells from stain repellants & other typical finishing chemicals; uses a biodegradable product found in nature rather than a petroleum by-product. |
| Reclaimed Closet Doors and Wood Storage Cupboards |
Sanded and finished in non-toxic oils or low VOC paints, reduces demolition waste going to landfill. |
| Unfinished wood BC-source wood for shelving |
Simple shelves on small metal brackets are an alternative to standard office particleboard made with formaldehyde and toxic finishes, or imported woods from threatened overseas forests. |
| Reclaimed Sinks and Tile for Bathroom |
Broken tiles, surplus to an interior decorator, were used to create a new floor. Old toilets replaced with low flow fixtures. |
Office Supplies Internal printing is done on pre-used paper. Reports, business cards and promotional documents use 100% post-consumer recycled paper.
Naturescaping Featured in the Wild Garden Party tour and registered with the Naturescape BC program, the garden outside the office contains many native species, some ethically transplanted from demolition sites. A sterile unattractive lawnscape has been transformed over 8 years by increasing the biomass, wildlife habitat, stormwater interception, edible landscaping, privacy, and beauty for passersby, with almost no supplemental watering. Garden trimmings are composted on site.
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