We don't know about you guys, but yesterday we wrapped up litter-free August in a heap of hotness! As happy as we were to see summer finally arrive, we'll admit it was a difficult month to commit to picking up litter around the neighbourhood, due to how drained we felt after spending a good chunk of time outside in the sun. However, we're happy to announce that due to our efforts, we saved over 3 pounds of garbage from the streets and sidewalks this month, with much of this being able to go into the recycling. We snatched up over 60 grams of cigarette butts (considering each one weighs about 0.2 grams, you can imagine how many cigarettes that is), which have been shipped off to Terracycle for recycling thanks to their brilliant UNSMOKE Cigarette Free Recycling Program (click here for more information). Terracycle does a fantastic job of recycling otherwise-landfill-bound objects such as office and art supplies, clothing and accessories, childrens toys, coffee pods, sporting goods, contact lenses, shoes, used chewing gum, and much more! We love this company and hope to bring more awareness to its easy-to-use zero-waste boxes to help keep our homes, neighbourhoods, and planet happy!
Now that litter-free August is in the rearview mirror, we're ready to shine a light on our newest challenge: Spend-Free September!
This month, we want to bring more awareness to our collective spending habits. It can be difficult finding a balance between our budgets and our personal and global happiness. Oftentimes we purchase things on a whim that we simply don't need, and in the long run, this ends up making us feel a little more depleted than uplifted. While we understand the need to splurge on things that make you feel good (hello, gourmet trail mix and granola!), it's important to also take a moment to run through what we like to call "an eco-checklist" before saying YES to a product. Whether shopping personally for ourselves, or professionally for our business, our eco-checklist looks something like this:
Where will this product end up once I am done utilizing it? Can its contents be used up completely? Can the packaging be easily recycled or reused?
Who made this product, and where is my money going/who am I supporting if I decide to make this purchase?
What is the shelf-life of this product? Can/will I realistically be able to utilize this to its full capacity without having wasted any money?
Do I really need this? Will purchasing this bring me joy, or am I trying to fill an existential void that can only truly be filled with quiet reflection and self-work... (Kidding. Kind of.)
The good news is, Vancouver Island's Own has made the answers to these questions very easy! We have a jar takeback program which allows you to swap out your old jar for a new one, creating a circular economy and giving you a sweet little discount on your next purchase. We utilize only glass and metal packaging components, both of which are easily reusable and recyclable.
We make all of our products in small batches to maintain freshness and quality, so you know you're getting the best bang for your hard-earned buck. When you purchase one of our products, you are supporting a small, local, family-owned business who is a part of your community and genuinely loves giving back.
We offer our products in different sizes, allowing you to choose the best option for gifting, occasional snacking, or incorporating into your daily meals. This helps to reduce waste and ensure you are getting the right amount for your personal needs!
Our customers rave about our ever-expanding lineup of snack foods. We are proud to provide Victoria, BC with healthy, fresh, delicious food options to help get you through the day. If it weren't for our customers, we may never have offered our chocolate granola clusters in their own individual jars for those with a bit of a sweet tooth! You asked, and we listened. If ever you have an idea for a snack food that is missing at the market, let us know! We love being inspired by friends and neighbours.
We encourage everyone to take a closer look at the items they purchase this month, and try to go through your own eco-checklist (feel free to borrow ours!) to cut down on overall waste, carbon emissions, and unnecessary spending habits. As for us folks at VIO, we'll be taking it easy on our wallets this month by sticking only to what we have around the house until October 1st! After all, it's nice to take a break from the many temptations our planet has to offer. We'll be checking back in at the end of the month to reflect on our consumer-free start to Fall, and stay posted for a special Autumn-inspired limited release in our snack lineup... if you're a fan of pumpkin spice, you're going to go nuts (no pun intended)!
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