Synergy Foundation

📢 Don’t miss out! Ecostar Award applications are closing Monday night! 📢

Submit your application before 11:59 pm on September 2nd for the chance to get recognized for your outstanding environmental and social achievements and leadership. We can’t wait to come together and recognize all of Vancouver Island’s changemakers on November 14 at the Inn at Laurel Point 🎊🎉

Apply for one of our 15 award categories at ecostarawards.com/apply

Thank you to our Gold Sponsors Vancity and Destination Greater Victoria for supporting the Ecostar Awards this year!

⏰ Time is running out to apply for an Ecostar Award! ⏰ Make sure to get your applications in before 11:59 pm on Monday, September 2.

The Ecostar Awards celebrate environmental and social achievements on Vancouver Island. You can apply for 15 different award categories at ecostarawards.com/apply

If you know a person, business, or organization going above and beyond to innovate and create positive change, send them this post or tag them in the comments ⬇️

Shoutout to our Gold Sponsors Vancity and Destination Greater Victoria for supporting the Ecostar Awards this year!

The Local Food Award commends an organization that is focused on producing or retailing Vancouver Island products, thereby increasing access to local food and beverage options. 🥗

Let all your local foodies know about this award! Get them to apply by 11:59pm on September 2nd at www.ecostarawards.com/apply

⚠️ Sponsorship opportunity still available! If you want to be involved and sponsor this category contact us at [email protected]

The Community Leadership Award honours an organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the environmental movement and sparked change throughout Vancouver Island!⚡

Do you know an organization inspiring change in the community and beyond? Get them to apply for this award at www.ecostarawards.com/apply

⚠️ Sponsorship opportunity still available! If you want to be involved and sponsor this category contact us at [email protected]

Our 2024 Clean Oceans Award sponsor is Greater Victoria Harbour Authority!

This award recognizes an organization that is demonstrating environmental leadership to protect our oceans.🌊

Know an organization making waves in the world of ocean conservation? Send them over to ecostarawards.com/apply

📢Two weeks left to apply! 📢

Calling all Vancouver Island-based green innovators and business leaders - time is running out to apply for an Ecostar Award!

Trying something new and shaking up business as usual? Going above and beyond to green your operations? If that’s you, head to ecostarawards.com/apply to apply! Applications close at 11:59pm on Monday, September 2nd.

If you know a person, business, or organization who deserves to have their leadership and achievements celebrated, tag them in the comments below ⬇️

Shoutout to our Gold Sponsors Vancity and Destination Greater Victoria for supporting the Ecostar Awards this year!

ANCORD Design Co is this year’s Design and Construction Award sponsor!

This award recognizes a business or project within the construction industry showcasing environmental leadership and innovation 🏗️

Know a company, organization, or individual who are paving the way to greener communities by shaking up the construction industry? Have them apply now at ecostarawards.com/apply

This year’s Innovation Award is sponsored by Camosun College!

This award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated innovative sustainability practices, products, services and/or technology in their industry💡

Do you know an organization that is trying something new and shaking up business as usual? Send them over to ecostarawards.com/apply

This year’s Experiential Tourism award is sponsored by Destination Greater Victoria!

This award celebrates an organization that is leading the way in nature-based tourism, creating positive environmental and social impacts in their industry 🌎

Are you familiar with an organization that is working to turn tourism into a tool for ecosystem restoration and cultural preservation? Have them apply now at ecostarawards.com/apply

The 2024 Social Impact Award is sponsored by The Parkside Hotel & Spa!

This award celebrates an organization that has made significant impact on addressing social needs. 💚

Know an organization going above and beyond to create positive social change? Send them over to ecostarawards.com/apply to apply now!

This year’s Ecological Stewardship Award is sponsored by Capital Regional District!

This award commends an organization who is actively working to restore or protect natural ecosystems 🏞️

If you know an organization that is going above and beyond to regenerate our natural ecosystems, get them to apply now at ecostarawards.com/apply

The 2024 Leadership in Hospitality Award is sponsored by BigWheel Burger!

This award celebrates a restaurant, lodging, spa, or salon that demonstrates actions to reduce waste, energy consumption, water usage, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions 🌿

Do you know a hospitality business that is going above and beyond with their sustainability initiatives? Have them apply for this award at ecostarawards.com/apply

This year’s Waste to Resource Award is sponsored by Capital Regional District!

This award celebrates an organization that has diverted waste from the landfill by turning waste into a value-added material for new products 🔄

If you know an organization that has been turning trash into treasures, get them to apply now at ecostarawards.com/apply

The 2024 Greenest Retailer Award is sponsored by The Bay Centre!

This award honours a progressive retail business which has reduced environmental impact in both operations and products sold. 🛍️

Do you know a retailer who is taking incredible steps in the name of sustainability? Send them over to ecostarawards.com/apply

Monk Office is this year’s Sustainable Workplace Award sponsor!

This award honours an organization with impressive environmental practices and social policies in place to create a work culture centered around sustainability and well-being. 🏢

Know an office that is going above and beyond to green their operations? Send them over to ecostarawards.com/apply

This year’s Ecopreneur of the Year Award is sponsored by the Centre for Social and Sustainable Innovation (CSSI) at Peter B. Gustavson School of Business!

This award celebrates the work of an individual who has started an impactful eco-venture that has been in operation for 3 or more years. 🙌

Know an outstanding ecopreneur? Get them to apply for this award at ecostarawards.com/apply

City of Victoria - Local Government is this year’s Inspirational New Venture Award sponsor!

This award celebrates an inspiring new venture that has demonstrated its potential to create widespread positive change and has been operating for less than 3 years. ⭐

Know a new organization doing amazing work? Have them apply at ecostarawards.com/apply

This year’s Climate Action Award is sponsored by the District of Saanich!

This award recognizes an organization that is working to measure, mitigate, and offset greenhouse gas emissions 🏭

Do you know an organization that is taking impressive steps to track and eliminate their carbon emissions? Get them to apply now at ecostarawards.com/apply

How can we keep non-residential packaging out of our landfills?

The Government of British Columbia is gathering feedback from the public on ways to reduce packaging waste in our everyday activities outside the home! They are focusing on the non-residential sector - institutions, commercial businesses, and light industrial sites 🏬

Hearing from businesses will have a massive impact on the future of waste reduction policies. All British Columbians, including employers, employees, organizations, professionals, and Indigenous communities can have their say in a few ways:

📧 Formal written submission to [email protected]
📝 Online questionnaire (5 to 10 minutes)

⚠️ Submit your feedback before July 23, 2024 at 4 pm ⚠️

Share your thought and check the submission guidelines at engage.gov.bc.ca/preventingwasteoutsidethehome

Some things we recommend including in your submission based on our work with businesses include:

✅ Flexible plastic collection facilities that accept materials from commercial sources (often only accept residential waste/small quantities)
✅ Accessible and affordable collection services for businesses that include flexible plastics & organics
✅ A diversity and reliable/affordable supply of truly compostable food packaging options
✅Funding for R&D of packaging innovation
✅ Funding to pilot, promote, and provide education for regional reuse programs
✅ Accessible signage templates that businesses can use to educate their staff & customers on proper waste diversion practices

Please share with your networks - this is an important opportunity to influence waste reduction in BC into the future!

🌟 Applications for the 2024 Ecostar Awards are open! 🌟

We can’t wait to celebrate your exceptional environmental and social initiatives!

You can apply for 15 award categories this year, including Inspirational New Venture, Greenest Retailer, Ecopreneur of the Year, and Community Leadership. The application process is simple - all you have to do is:

💭 Decide which award(s) you want to apply for (max 3!)
📥 Download the application from our website
✍️ Fill out the application
📧 Email the application, your logo, and 1-3 related photos to [email protected]

Check out the award categories and apply by September 2nd at ecostarawards.com/apply

🌟 Applications for the 2024 Ecostar Awards are now open! 🌟

You can apply for 15 award categories this year, including Inspirational New Venture, Local Food, Innovation, and Ecopreneur of the Year. Check out the award categories and apply by September 2nd by heading to www.ecostarawards.com

The Ecostar Awards recognize outstanding environmental achievement and leadership by Vancouver Island-based businesses, organizations, and individuals. These awards are given to local champions of initiatives, projects, and innovations that contribute to a vibrant future in which our communities and environment both prosper.

We can’t wait to celebrate the Island’s trailblazers and innovators on November 14, 2024 at the Inn at Laurel Point!

⭐ Attention green businesses: The Ecostar Awards are back for 2024! ⭐

This annual event, hosted by Synergy Foundation recognizes outstanding environmental achievement and leadership by Vancouver Island-based businesses, organizations, and individuals. These awards are given to local champions of initiatives, projects, and innovations that contribute to a vibrant future in which our communities and environment both prosper 💚🌎

There are 15 categories to apply for this year (see below for full list). Mark your calendar: applications will open this Monday, July 8th! Read the award descriptions and sign up for a reminder email when applications open at ecostarawards.com 🔗

This year’s award categories are:
🌊 Clean Oceans
💚 Climate Action
⭐ Community Leadership
⚒️ Design and Construction
🌲 Ecological Stewardship
🕺 Ecopreneur of the Year
🧳 Experiential Tourism
🏪 Greenest Retailer
💡 Innovation
✨ Inspirational New Venture
😍 Leadership in Hospitality
🥬 Local Food
⚖️ Social Impact
🏢 Sustainable Workplace
♻️ Waste to Resource

Meet our new Manager of Operations & Circular Economy Projects, Tai Uhlmann! 👏Tai is excited to bring a decade of experience as a waste management and diversion consultant. She has worked with local government, First Nation, private industry and community groups to re-envision waste as a resource and rethink systems towards circularity. She is passionate about building relationships and working collaboratively to find tangible solutions. Tai holds a Masters degree in Environment and Management from Royal Roads University.

“Synergy embodies the innovative spirit needed to help transition to a circular economy. I am beyond thrilled to join a team with such extensive knowledge and commitment. Change is challenging and Synergy makes that change exciting and accessible.”💬

In her spare time, Tai is most likely trying to wrangle her kids into nature 🌲, spending time with family and friends ❤️, and watching a great movie 🎬!

Meet our new Circular Economy Associate, Luiz Alberto De Souza! 👏 Luiz holds a Bachelor of Business Administration – Sustainability from Royal Roads University. He is passionate about helping businesses become more sustainable and expanding their positive impact throughout the world. Luiz is very excited to be part of such an incredible team and to work with amazing BC businesses through Project Zero.

“I believe sustainability is no longer optional, it’s a need and a must for all businesses. By embracing a sustainable mindset and circular economy practices, business can continue to grow without compromising our future generations. It's not about reinventing the wheel, it's about making it spin better.” 💬

In his spare time, you can find Luiz at Pacific FC games ⚽, at the beach enjoying the sun ☀️, or spending some quality time eating snacks and watching TV series with his partner 🍿.
Welcome to the team Luiz!

Project Zero is excited to announce Pacific Economic Development Canada’s support of the Circular Economy Accelerator Program.

This funding will help businesses on Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast transition to a circular economy, where nothing is wasted and materials are repurposed as much as possible. With this funding,businesses will receive direct support to integrate innovative practices into their operations, find efficiencies, lower their environmental impact, and meet their ESG goals. Through the Accelerator program, Project Zero will also facilitate collaboration through regional hub development. 🔄💡

Sign up now at project-zero.ca/accelerator

This project is delivered by Project Zero with support from PacifiCan, Island Coastal Economic Trust, and regional VICEDA partners.

Want to green your business’ operations but aren’t sure where to start? 🤷

We’ve partnered with Small Business BC to deliver Small Business, Big Impact, a FREE three-part webinar series featuring easy first steps you can take to improve your environmental performance and improve your bottom line.

📦 Eco-Friendly Packaging and Shipping 📦
📅 Thursday, May 16 from 10-11:30am
How sustainable options can work for your business and bottom line
🔗 https://smallbusinessbc.ca/education/small-business-big-impact-eco-friendly-packaging-and-shipping-2024-05-16

⚡ Energy-Efficient Operations ⚡
📅 Thursday, Sept 12 from 10-11:30am
How to reduce energy consumption and costs in your business
🔗 https://smallbusinessbc.ca/education/small-business-big-impact-energy-efficient-operations-2024-09-12

♻️ Rethinking and Reducing Waste ♻️
📅 Thursday, Nov 14 from 10-11:30am
How reimagining your waste streams can add value in your business
🔗 https://smallbusinessbc.ca/education/small-business-big-impact-rethinking-and-reducing-waste-2024-11-14

Learn how to cut through the greenwashing to find efficiencies and adopt sustainability practices that work for your business no matter the size or sector. You’ll hear from guest experts, discover resources and incentives to help you make the change, and leave with concrete ideas for actions you can take to move towards your green goals.

📢 We’re hiring an Accountant! 📢

This position will manage the day-to-day financial management of Synergy Foundation, Synergy Enterprises, and FED Urban Ag.

The ideal candidate will have:
✅ 3-5 years of work experience in financial management, accounting, or bookkeeping
✅ Experience in both corporate and non-profit environments
✅ Analytical, problem-solving, organization, and communication skills
✅ Familiarity with Quickbooks Online

You’ll be joining a team of folks who are passionate about empowering climate action and will enjoy benefits like hybrid/remote work, a comprehensive extended health benefits package, professional development hours, and unlimited unpaid vacation (in addition to paid days off).

The posting closes May 10th! Apply today at https://ow.ly/tCHO50Rnyzx

Here’s what our wonderful CSA member Kat has to say about her experience last year:

💬 Having a CSA share from FED was an absolute joy. Every week, we received a variety of veg - greens were always included, which was fantastic, as well as other veggies grown locally, so there was a good diversity of items. The staff are kind and generous. I can't say how wonderful it is to be able to get sustainably grown food directly from a farm that is literally a few minutes from our home!

CSA sign-ups close MAY 1 and spots are going quickly! Secure your share of weekly vibrant, flavourful, spray-free veggies for only $37.50 per week at get-fed.ca/2024-csa 🥬🧑‍🌾💚 PLUS refer a friend and you both receive an extra week for free!

All proceeds go to FED’s charitable work establishing gardens on underutilized urban land, helping vulnerable populations grow food, and creating low-barrier educational and employment opportunities.

Check out our great line-up of speakers and presenters at Small Business, Big Impact, happening THIS WEDNESDAY! 📅

You'll hear from:
☕ nomad.yvr - North Van's sustainable Bring Your Own Cup café
🍲 ReRoot - A social enterprise turning surplus food into meals for charity
🥡 ShareWares - Vancouver's leading reusable container program
🪡 Spruce Circularity Inc. - Connecting the dots between apparel retailers and care and repair services

Don't forget to also check out the displays from Vancouver Food Runners, BC Hydro, Vancity, BC Green Business, Project Zero, and more during our science fair-style Solutions Showcase! PLUS enjoy catering from Ono Vancouver using rescued food and bevvies from farm-to-glass brewery Locality Brewing and award-winning Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse!

Check us out at Creekside Community Centre from 4:30-6:30 this Wednesday, April 10. Register now for free at small-biz-big-impact.eventbrite.ca 🔗

Thank you to the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions for sponsoring this event.

Synergy Foundation is looking forward to presenting at the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities’ AGM and Conference running from April 12-14! We will be leading the session “Vancouver Island Circular Economy: Turning Goals into Action.”

📅 April 13, 2024
📍 Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria BC

Moderated by our Executive Director, Jill Doucette, attendees will hear highlights, lessons learnt, and the impact of last year’s pilot of the Circular Economy Accelerator Program, delivered by the Vancouver Island Coast Economic Developers Association in partnership with Synergy Foundation.

🎙️What to expect:
- An overview of the program from Georgia Lavender, Synergy’s Director of Program Operations.
- A first-hand account from pilot program participant Tom Kinnear of Duncan Paving.
- Insights into the role of local government and local impact of the program from the City of Nanaimo Local Government’s Amrit Manhas.

A panel discussion will provide highlights from pilot, share the perspective of local government economic development officers, the private sector and non-profit partners, as well as highlighting the cumulative reductions in waste and emissions.

Phase 2 of the Accelerator program is now underway. Learn more and sign up at www.project-zero.ca/accelerator