This week, we talked to Barb from Savoury Chef foods.
Tell us a bit about your company?
-Savoury Chef foods, which is a high-end catering and event company
-We specialize in engineering memorable events with unparalleled service, and menus that feature the very best fresh, local and seasonal ingredients.
-We do deliveries as well but are really event specialists.
-Also do fine dining
-A lot of special events from office parties to weddings to anniversary parties
How did this company start, and what are some sustainable practices that they work on?
-Founded in 2006 by Chef Taryn Wa. She started as a personal chef and kept being asked to do parties for their clients. She eventually started this company.
-Took over Out to Lunch catering this past year.
-Out to Lunch and Savoury Chef both have vested interest in sustainability
-Some sustainability practices they took over is really good ability for bike storage. Makes it easier for staff to bike to work.
-Recycling program they have formed is community living society they have kept that up
-Food not consumed during these events are donated
-In terms of Savoury Chef, we have done great work in finding sustainable seafood, local supplies.
-It is important that all staff believe in the importance of sustainability
-Always looking to become more sustainable as we go
Is this a competitive industry?
-Industry is highly competitive
-Sustainable practices appeals to people. Helps narrow the market down. The fact that we do it in a sustainable way makes everyone happy. Good quality product as well
Advice for youth?
-Chefs table society. Kyle is one of the board members. Really great organization. One of the mandates is to help mentor young people getting into the industry.
-Do your research when looking for a company to join. Everything is available online now. Now information is more accessible and easy to find. Easier to find sustainable companies.
-Get out there and volunteer in the community. Networking and word-of-mouth. Lots of opportunity for casual work. Get involved in companies you’re interested in.
Do you think it is important for youth to get involved in sustainable practices?
-Yes, absolutely. On a personal level i have a five year old daughter and want the world to be a fantastic place for her when she gets older. It is generally youth that run the change. We are headed in the right direction. Fantastic initiatives happening right now.
Are there any openings for youth in your company?
Because there’s peaks and valleys we always encouraging people to reach out and apply because we are a growing company. Sometimes hiring, sometimes not.
What does sustainability mean to you?
-Everyone has to adopt sustainable practices into all facets of their life. From the food they eat, to even what they use to clean their homes. Everyone has to think broadly and have an open mind. And by better, i mean business have to stay profitable . Sustainability is more expensive. Need to also maintain profitability of business. Everyone has to share direction of company and be excited of the potential change that they can make on the environment, and on the world.
Thank you to Barb for being a part of this interview!
Website:
http://www.savourychef.com/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SavouryChef
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/SavouryChef
Instagram
http://instagram.com/SavouryChef
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Friday, July 4, 2014
Interview with Frogbox- Mathieson
We also spoke with Mathieson from Frogbox
Tell us a bit about your company?
Frogbox is an alternative to cardboard boxes for moving. Sturdy, stackable moving boxes. Person packs them on their own, then they pick them up when done. Founded on concept of re-use. Mission is to minimize stress on earth of using cardboard boxes. All about customer service. Founded in 2008 here in Vancouver. 21 franchises and 1 corporate location (Vancouver).
Competition?
There were some people doing it. Some new players regionally but really, the main competition is that people don’t know they can do it. We always consider that simple education is best marketing message. Not a moving company, just moving supplies
Advice for students?
Lots of entry level jobs. Got ways to come right into the door with little experience. All about attitude, enthusiasm, attention to detail. If you show me you care, write a cover letter that addresses that you’re a good fit, that goes a long way.
Is it important for youth to get involved in sustainability?
Definitely. Sustainable practices are important. Considering impact of transportation and products you buy. Sometimes, things you don’t do are the sustainable practices. Generally, a growing awareness for sustainability. If you are honest to your values and are willing to adapt, very important.
Internships/work experience?
Have done seasonal internships through SFU and BCIT. Mostly through marketing, digital marketing, public relations. As a small company, use all sorts of tools to grow. Don’t have internal programs around it or post positions. If people propose something, then they’ll definitely consider it.
What does sustainability mean to you?
Intermediate step. Kind of got a little wayward. Technology took over past 150 years, departed from using resources wisely. Used all the parts of a tree or an animal before then. Sustainability is an internal movement to show importance of environment. Sustainability as a word, is just a bridge to doing what we need to do. Word should faze out in 50 years. Need to build it into thinking.
Do you think sustainability and business can work together?
Yes, we’re a small part in showing that it does. It will be a slow movement. Little things in general economy that are slowing everything. People are showing that they’ll send based on values.
Closing comments?
To pursue sustainability, show a positive attitude and if it really means something to you, then pursue it. If it doesn’t, then read more about it. It can affect everybody.
Special thanks to Mathieson for the interview!
Website
http://frogbox.com/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/frogboxmovingboxes
Twitter
https://twitter.com/frogbox
Tell us a bit about your company?
Frogbox is an alternative to cardboard boxes for moving. Sturdy, stackable moving boxes. Person packs them on their own, then they pick them up when done. Founded on concept of re-use. Mission is to minimize stress on earth of using cardboard boxes. All about customer service. Founded in 2008 here in Vancouver. 21 franchises and 1 corporate location (Vancouver).
Competition?
There were some people doing it. Some new players regionally but really, the main competition is that people don’t know they can do it. We always consider that simple education is best marketing message. Not a moving company, just moving supplies
Advice for students?
Lots of entry level jobs. Got ways to come right into the door with little experience. All about attitude, enthusiasm, attention to detail. If you show me you care, write a cover letter that addresses that you’re a good fit, that goes a long way.
Is it important for youth to get involved in sustainability?
Definitely. Sustainable practices are important. Considering impact of transportation and products you buy. Sometimes, things you don’t do are the sustainable practices. Generally, a growing awareness for sustainability. If you are honest to your values and are willing to adapt, very important.
Internships/work experience?
Have done seasonal internships through SFU and BCIT. Mostly through marketing, digital marketing, public relations. As a small company, use all sorts of tools to grow. Don’t have internal programs around it or post positions. If people propose something, then they’ll definitely consider it.
What does sustainability mean to you?
Intermediate step. Kind of got a little wayward. Technology took over past 150 years, departed from using resources wisely. Used all the parts of a tree or an animal before then. Sustainability is an internal movement to show importance of environment. Sustainability as a word, is just a bridge to doing what we need to do. Word should faze out in 50 years. Need to build it into thinking.
Do you think sustainability and business can work together?
Yes, we’re a small part in showing that it does. It will be a slow movement. Little things in general economy that are slowing everything. People are showing that they’ll send based on values.
Closing comments?
To pursue sustainability, show a positive attitude and if it really means something to you, then pursue it. If it doesn’t, then read more about it. It can affect everybody.
Special thanks to Mathieson for the interview!
Website
http://frogbox.com/
https://www.facebook.com/frogboxmovingboxes
https://twitter.com/frogbox
Interview with Gibsons Recycling Depot- Buddy
We recently spoke to Buddy from Gibsons Recycling Depot. This is our interview with him
Started as Gibsons Disposal in 2001. I used to drive for Smithrite Disposal and during this time, I became concerned with throwing everything into landfills. I then started Gibsons Recycling Depot in 2003. Began to sort everything in our yard in 2003. Eventually added a store and began diverting the materials to a re-use store which opened up later We became the community recycling depot and morphed into on site processing about six years ago. We started glass aggregating about 3-4 years ago. Sell to people who make granite countertops, glass tables, etc. We have several employees that mine the waste stream before it goes to landfill.
Is there much competition?
Not really because it's labour intensive. Not going to get rich but it is connected to zero waste, sustainability and upcycling. It is about primarily managing waste, but this company is about reducing, reusing and recycling. Don’t look at anything as waste. Manage discarded waste and find new homes for them is a priority.
Do you have any advice for youth looking to go into a similar field
Start early. When i was 19, I formed a chapter of S.T.O.P. (Society to Overcome Pollution) when i was in Montreal. Bank of Montreal started started one of the first social enterprises in Canada called the Bank of Montreal Youth Project. Bank of Montreal gave kids basic tools in 1970. Taught you to find something that you are passionate about and present it to class. I presented ideas on the environment.
Parents and grandparents aren’t gonna fix it. Up to students to get their hands dirty. I suggest that youth look at where we are living and impact on where we live based on how we treat finite resources. Previous generations have made it a challenge. Become active. Saving a planet is not a spectator sport and anyone can do it. Get active in government, resources, etc. Education is number one tool in turning this around. Think about what you want to do with your life. Easier to see something, harder to do something.
Internships/work experience?
-Hire kids out of school, mentor them on recycling and how to use machines. Inform them of how to recycle and why to recycle. Get brain wrapped around it is most important thing. Teach kids how to “raise the bar”
What does sustainability mean to you?
Look in a circular fashion. Sustainability starts with me and you. Look at where its made. Where food is made. What I can do to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Do you think corporations and companies can work together?
Absolutely. Slowly turning. Lot of the large corporations have discovered terms like zero-waste. Many of them just hire PR and marketing firms to slather greenwash. Need products that have long term value, not plastic (only using one time and throwing it out).
Any last comments?-
Take the opportunity to be bold. Nobody is coming to do this for you.
Thanks to Buddy for taking part in this interview!
Website
Look in a circular fashion. Sustainability starts with me and you. Look at where its made. Where food is made. What I can do to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Do you think corporations and companies can work together?
Absolutely. Slowly turning. Lot of the large corporations have discovered terms like zero-waste. Many of them just hire PR and marketing firms to slather greenwash. Need products that have long term value, not plastic (only using one time and throwing it out).
Any last comments?-
Take the opportunity to be bold. Nobody is coming to do this for you.
Thanks to Buddy for taking part in this interview!
Website
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/gibsonsrecyclingdepot
Youtube
Monday, June 30, 2014
Interview with Tamea Burd Photography- Tamea
We recently spoke with Tamea from Tamea Burd Photography. This is our interview with her.
Tell us a bit about your company?
I’m a local photographer, specializing in headshots, portraits, online profiles portraits and weddings. My style is very much about people looking natural, relaxed and happy. As far as my company goes, ethical and eco-friendly business practices have been very important to me since I first began.
When did you start?
I’ve been taking photographs for over 20 years, and studying photography since high school (history, art, technical aspects, etc). I began my business full-time, almost 8 years ago.
Competition?
The professional photography business is insanely competitive. But of the hundreds (maybe thousands) of people advertising their photography services in any city, only a handful are knowledgeable about more than just using a camera. Photography is an art form. It involves far more than simply technical knowledge about your equipment. You have to have a way with people, you have to have an eye for composition and light, and you have to be very proficient at using photo-editing programs like Lightroom and Photoshop. There’s a huge, visibly obvious difference between the photographs of a professional photographer and those of an amateur or hobby photographer.
Advice for youth?
- As technology advances, making your living as a photographer becomes increasingly difficult.
- Opportunities are more limited than they used to be and pricing is much more competitive.
- Don’t get into the field unless you understand that there are many barriers to overcome.
Tell us a bit about your company?
I’m a local photographer, specializing in headshots, portraits, online profiles portraits and weddings. My style is very much about people looking natural, relaxed and happy. As far as my company goes, ethical and eco-friendly business practices have been very important to me since I first began.
When did you start?
I’ve been taking photographs for over 20 years, and studying photography since high school (history, art, technical aspects, etc). I began my business full-time, almost 8 years ago.
Competition?
The professional photography business is insanely competitive. But of the hundreds (maybe thousands) of people advertising their photography services in any city, only a handful are knowledgeable about more than just using a camera. Photography is an art form. It involves far more than simply technical knowledge about your equipment. You have to have a way with people, you have to have an eye for composition and light, and you have to be very proficient at using photo-editing programs like Lightroom and Photoshop. There’s a huge, visibly obvious difference between the photographs of a professional photographer and those of an amateur or hobby photographer.
Advice for youth?
- As technology advances, making your living as a photographer becomes increasingly difficult.
- Opportunities are more limited than they used to be and pricing is much more competitive.
- Don’t get into the field unless you understand that there are many barriers to overcome.
- If you really are passionate, do it. But always have a secondary, more bankable skill as well.
Why is it important for youth to get involved in sustainability?
I grew up in a very remote, rural area. Sustainability was a way of life, it supported the local ecology and economy. I learned – as we all should - at a young age, that the only way humans are going to survive long-term, is to respect the ecosystem. We should and do want our beautiful earth to remain beautiful and inhabitable.
Could sustainability and businesses work together?
It’s short-sighted not to realize that sustainability must be a factor for all businesses. Its essential. What good is the economy if you can’t drink the water or breath clear air? The choices business owners make, affect our community, influence our clients, and can create a ripple effect throughout the world. Putting more into the world than we take from it, is so much more important than money. Personally, I keep printed/paper materials to a minimum, all of my images are distributed exclusively in digital format and I buy locally (personally and professionally) whenever I can.
Closing comments?
- If you want to be a professional photographer, be prepared for it to be an incredibly difficult way to earn a living.
- The Arts have always been one of the best things about humanity, so if you’re passionate about photography, don’t let anything stop you.
- As with anything, success is possible if you truly believe in yourself, constantly keep learning, and never stop working towards your goals.
Thanks to Tamea for taking part in this interview!
Website Link
http://www.tameaburdphotography.com/
Blog
http://tameaburdphotography.wordpress.com/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/tameaburdphotography
Google+:
https://plus.google.com/118262425775470205709/posts
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/tameaburdphotos
Pinterest:
http://www.pinterest.com/tameab/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/tburdphotos/videos
LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/tameaburdphotography
Why is it important for youth to get involved in sustainability?
I grew up in a very remote, rural area. Sustainability was a way of life, it supported the local ecology and economy. I learned – as we all should - at a young age, that the only way humans are going to survive long-term, is to respect the ecosystem. We should and do want our beautiful earth to remain beautiful and inhabitable.
Could sustainability and businesses work together?
It’s short-sighted not to realize that sustainability must be a factor for all businesses. Its essential. What good is the economy if you can’t drink the water or breath clear air? The choices business owners make, affect our community, influence our clients, and can create a ripple effect throughout the world. Putting more into the world than we take from it, is so much more important than money. Personally, I keep printed/paper materials to a minimum, all of my images are distributed exclusively in digital format and I buy locally (personally and professionally) whenever I can.
Closing comments?
- If you want to be a professional photographer, be prepared for it to be an incredibly difficult way to earn a living.
- The Arts have always been one of the best things about humanity, so if you’re passionate about photography, don’t let anything stop you.
- As with anything, success is possible if you truly believe in yourself, constantly keep learning, and never stop working towards your goals.
Thanks to Tamea for taking part in this interview!
Website Link
http://www.tameaburdphotography.com/
Blog
http://tameaburdphotography.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/tameaburdphotography
Google+:
https://plus.google.com/118262425775470205709/posts
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/tameaburdphotos
Pinterest:
http://www.pinterest.com/tameab/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/tburdphotos/videos
LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/tameaburdphotography
Interview with Pure Magnolia- Patty
We also recently spoke to Patty from Pure Magnolia wedding dresses.
Tell us about your company
- Sustainable Eco-friendly wedding dresses
-Started in 2009
-Wedding dresses- styles change on a constant basis
Is there any competition?
-In wedding dresses? Yes
In sustainable dresses? No
-Online shoppers looking for eco-friendly product, there are more then a dozen from outside the city. Locally, only person that’s doing it.
Advice for youth looking into a similar field?
-Sustainable fashion is tough. Need to be unique and driven.
Is it important for youth to get involved in sustainable practices?
-Absolutely. Necessary, especially in the fashion industry.
Internships/Job experience?
-Every summer has internships. Take on fashion students
Tell us about your company
- Sustainable Eco-friendly wedding dresses
-Started in 2009
-Wedding dresses- styles change on a constant basis
Is there any competition?
-In wedding dresses? Yes
In sustainable dresses? No
-Online shoppers looking for eco-friendly product, there are more then a dozen from outside the city. Locally, only person that’s doing it.
Advice for youth looking into a similar field?
-Sustainable fashion is tough. Need to be unique and driven.
Is it important for youth to get involved in sustainable practices?
-Absolutely. Necessary, especially in the fashion industry.
Internships/Job experience?
-Every summer has internships. Take on fashion students
What does sustainability mean to you?
-Sustainability means not wasting resources you have. Not creating waste for future
-Environment and business have to go together. Businesses have to provide environmental services.
Thanks to Patty for taking part in this interview!
-Sustainability means not wasting resources you have. Not creating waste for future
-Environment and business have to go together. Businesses have to provide environmental services.
Thanks to Patty for taking part in this interview!
Company website link
Blog
Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Instagram
Interview with Fairy Cakes- Cera
We recently spoke to Cera from Fairy Cakes.
Tell us a bit about your company?
-Bakery geared towards dietary restrictions
-Use as environmentally friendly company as possible
-Don't allow dairy, peanuts, eggs, etc
-Been open for 2 years
Popular products that you have?
-When first opened, it was strictly cupcakes
-Expanded to mini-cupcakes, cakes, cheesecakes, cinnamon/blueberry/etc buns, cookies, etc
Advice for youth?
- Do your research
- I took business classes, surveys and spoke to different business owners.
- Research gives an edge on things
- Need it to survive with a small business
-It’s important for youth to get involved in sustainable practices
-This is our planet and home.
Internships/work experience?
-Not currently, but thinking about it later
What does sustainability mean to you?
-Doing whatever you can to help your home
-The more we learn, the more responsibility to take knowledge into account
-Only way planet will survive is through sustainability. Takes awareness in public’s part. Environmentally friendly products are the norm rather than exception. Pass that idea onto the consumer.
Special thanks to Cera for taking part in this interview
Company Website
http://www.fairycakescupcakes.ca/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FairyCakesVan
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/fairycakes_yumm
Tell us a bit about your company?
-Bakery geared towards dietary restrictions
-Use as environmentally friendly company as possible
-Don't allow dairy, peanuts, eggs, etc
-Been open for 2 years
Popular products that you have?
-When first opened, it was strictly cupcakes
-Expanded to mini-cupcakes, cakes, cheesecakes, cinnamon/blueberry/etc buns, cookies, etc
Advice for youth?
- Do your research
- I took business classes, surveys and spoke to different business owners.
- Research gives an edge on things
- Need it to survive with a small business
-It’s important for youth to get involved in sustainable practices
-This is our planet and home.
Internships/work experience?
-Not currently, but thinking about it later
What does sustainability mean to you?
-Doing whatever you can to help your home
-The more we learn, the more responsibility to take knowledge into account
-Only way planet will survive is through sustainability. Takes awareness in public’s part. Environmentally friendly products are the norm rather than exception. Pass that idea onto the consumer.
Special thanks to Cera for taking part in this interview
Company Website
http://www.fairycakescupcakes.ca/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/FairyCakesVan
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/fairycakes_yumm
Interview with Recycle 4 U- Dave
We recently spoke with Dave from Recycle 4 U
Tell us about your company
-Started in 2010. Already being in garbage/recycling game, opportunity in lower mainland for this program.
Put yellow bin in each area.
- All I do is pick up pop bottles, beer bottles, etc.
Is there lots of competition?
-In hotels and bars, there is lots of competition. Not in recycling companies exactly.
Any advice for someone looking to go into a similar field?
Tell us about your company
-Started in 2010. Already being in garbage/recycling game, opportunity in lower mainland for this program.
Put yellow bin in each area.
- All I do is pick up pop bottles, beer bottles, etc.
Is there lots of competition?
-In hotels and bars, there is lots of competition. Not in recycling companies exactly.
Any advice for someone looking to go into a similar field?
-Have to work really hard, roughly $40,000-50,000 put away to get bins.
-Not easy to get into
Do you think its important for youth to get into sustainable practices?
-Good for landfill, economy, make money as well. Win-win for the environment, for landfill, for recycling, and to make some money off it.
Any internships/work experience?
-No, it is a small company
-No students at the moment. Still starting up. Takes about 5-7 years to really take off
What does sustainability mean to you?
-Not easy to get into
Do you think its important for youth to get into sustainable practices?
-Good for landfill, economy, make money as well. Win-win for the environment, for landfill, for recycling, and to make some money off it.
Any internships/work experience?
-No, it is a small company
-No students at the moment. Still starting up. Takes about 5-7 years to really take off
What does sustainability mean to you?
-What I’m doing is great for environment/employment, put money back into governments pockets
-Strong outlook in the future
-My company will never go away
-In one word, it’s recession-proof
-People have recycling that needs to go
-Steady career/business
Last comments
-Initially, the city was kind of nervous
-Encorp advertising, started from the bottom
-Donate money back to boys and girls club, grew up on downtown Eastside
-Donate $10,000 a year to boys and girls club
-In the future, kids should run the business no problem.
Special thanks to Dave for talking part in this interview!
Website Link
http://recycle4u.ca/
-Strong outlook in the future
-My company will never go away
-In one word, it’s recession-proof
-People have recycling that needs to go
-Steady career/business
Last comments
-Initially, the city was kind of nervous
-Encorp advertising, started from the bottom
-Donate money back to boys and girls club, grew up on downtown Eastside
-Donate $10,000 a year to boys and girls club
-In the future, kids should run the business no problem.
Special thanks to Dave for talking part in this interview!
Website Link
http://recycle4u.ca/
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