Success Story - In Communities
Chinook Arch Regional Library System (Lethbridge)
Recognizing the importance of recycling, Amy Genesis, an employee of Chinook Arch Regional Library System took it upon herself to take home the office recyclables for proper diversion from the landfill.
What started out as a personal mission encouraged the company to enlist a full-fledged “Green Team” that tackles everything from battery recycling to green employee events.
“A little bit of effort and a few willing staff members started a recycling program that triggered more employees to be environmentally responsible in their day-to-day office actions,” said Robin Thiessen Hepher, Assistant Director.
The Green Team meets once a month with the mandate of reducing the environmental footprint of the office. The team has embarked on a number of activities including the addition of “green tips” in the staff newsletter which is distributed to thirty-three libraries across south-western Alberta.
“Our green team also has plans to hold a variety of events for staff. Plans are already underway for a spring tire inflation session,” said Hepher.
In recognition of Earth Day, the staff at Chinook Arch took their mandate outdoors by cleaning up the grounds, trimming shrubs, weeding and collecting leaves for the city’s composting program.
“Being environmentally-friendly is easy, fun and good for our team atmosphere,” said Hepher.
Since Amy’s initial routine of carting home the recyclables the Chinook Arch Regional Library System has implemented an in-office collection for paper, plastics, cans and batteries, and with a Green Team on board, they are armed to do much more.
