At head office and all of our locations across Western Canada, London Drugs is committed to reducing packaging, water usage and waste.
London Drugs was among the first to encourage our software vendors to deliver their product in smaller, more efficient packaging. Traditionally, suppliers are interested in getting more shelf space with a larger box, but now more are coming to realize that more efficient packaging can be just as effective. Canadian tax software maker Intuit (makers of Quicktax, Taxwiz and Quicken products) is one good example of a vendor who is working to make their process greener.
We specifically look for Energy Star items. Energy Star is one of the most successful programs in North America for helping customers choose more energy efficient products. We actively seek out products that have earned this designation.
London Drugs is on the front lines of the recycling movement. We know we have to think beyond our own walls, so we dedicate time and resources to organizations that are working to make recycling mainstream. We have had computer department managers serving on the boards of both the Alberta Recycling Management Authority and the Electronics Stewardship Association of BC. We actively engage with the various electronics recycling programs, and as a result, our in-house program is well regarded as a leader by both business and government.
We're always looking for products on the leading edge - of sustainability as well as technology. "Harbour 100" paper, by Gray's Harbour is one great example, made from 100% post-consumer recycled fiber less than 400 km from our distribution centre. For digital photo buffs, we found Hahnemuhle - the world's first digital fine art inkjet paper made from bamboo, a much more sustainable source of paper fiber. (We also double-checked that the bamboo was being harvested sustainably) These are all small steps, but when it comes to being greener, a little extra homework pays off.
Wherever possible, the electronics we sell are RoHS compliant. RoHS, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive, was adopted in February 2003 by the European Union, and restricts the use of six hazardous materials in the manufacture of various types of electronic and electrical equipment:
While Canadian and American companies are not required to comply with this directive, London Drugs feels it is important to ensure our products are as healthy as possible for our customers.
To the best of our knowledge, London Drugs is the ONLY major retailer that will take back your cardboard and Styrofoam packaging for responsible recycling. This is not a cheap process, as Styrofoam is very inefficient to ship (due to its large volume & low weight) Through our partner, Genesis Recycling, this material is condensed down for reuse as a manufacturing commodity.
Each London Drugs store has a dedicated internal recycling area, where cardboard, plastic wrap, bubble wrap, metals, plastics and containers from store operations are collected in master bins for pickup and return to the warehouse, where they are separated and sent for recycling.
London Drugs Photo Finishing labs recycle plastic film canisters, photo paper and the photo solution which is sent to a refinery to extract the silver. Metal film canisters and disposable cameras are returned to the manufacturer for recycling.
London Drugs partners with Orbis Recycling to recycle plastic containers, photo lab filters, shrink wrap and bubble wrap.
Recycling Items Include:
Stores are tracking significant reductions in garbage pickup, some reporting as much as 66% less waste going to landfills.
When building new stores, London Drugs works with the architect and design team to ensure our building design and construction materials are environmentally efficient. This includes conserving energy and using sustainable lighting and energy solutions.
Our new store at Broadway & Vine in Vancouver, represents the environmental standards to which we aspire. As we continue to upgrade and open new stores, we hope to continue to push our own standards for energy efficiency, reducing our environmental footprint.
The Vine Store design includes:
In the Lower Mainland, industrial space is in short supply. As a result, London Drugs has chosen to increase density within our existing warehouse, rather than increase space and move farther away, which would entail greater energy use.
This increased warehouse density means more products are housed with less environmental impact from heating and energy use.
One innovation that works especially well is our Carousel Picking system. Rather than arrange products along a traditional shelf, with aisles between each, bins are arranged on rotating carousels which store products much more efficiently. They are rotated to an access point as needed.
With this system, the same number of products that used to occupy 12,000 square feet can now be stored in just 2,000 square feet.
In 2007 London Drugs received the Philips PEAK Award for its conscious use of environmentally-friendly and sustainable lighting solutions. Since 1994, London Drugs has saved 3.5 kg of mercury from entering the waste system by using Philips Alto T8 Fluorescent Lamps.
London Drugs was recognized for outstanding performance during The Charge Up to Recycle program operated by the non-profit RBRC (Rechargeable Batteries Recycling Corporation.)
Look for the "What's The Green Deal?" signs throughout our stores for information on some of the environmental benefits of our products and tips on shopping a little greener.