CF BELIEVES IN GREEN
Community Futures' sustainability plan encompasses many different aspects including but not limited to:
- Using only Organic Fair Trade coffee
- Recycling of all cans, glass, and plastics has been arranged through the provision of designated recycling bins
- All new printers and copiers purchased have two sided printing options
- The Good Food Box delivery service has been organized for staff to participate in
- The temperature of the hot water tanks has been adjusted to meet health regulations and to conserve energy
- All computers now have power bars attached so that electricity is not wasted each night. Staff turn off the power bars at night to save additional energy
- Thermostats have been re-programmed to lower heat at night and on weekends
- Motion detector switches for the lights have been installed in staff and client washrooms
- Dishwashers are only run when full and on the Eco Cycle setting
Targets were set to decrease energy use and cut back on waste. Not only did we meet some of the targets set a year ago, we exceeded them. Some of our achievements:
- 20% drop in hydro use (double the original target)
- 12% drop in natural gas use (more than our goal)
- 2% drop in paper consumption
- 1% drop in coffee consumption
- $2,000 saved by replacing bottled water coolers with refrigerated water filter containers
The Eco-Chamber News recognized Community Futures for our efforts to use as many "green" options as possible in the workplace and was nominated for the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce's Annual Business Excellence Awards in 2010.
COMMUNITY FUTURES CARES AND GIVES BACK
We believe our success comes with the responsibility to give back to the community. We try to find ways to give back that reflect our values, are meaningful, draw on our unique strengths as a corporation and, where possible, reinforce our goals in community economic development.
In 2009-2010, Community Futures staff donated to KIVA.org - which is an online micro-lending site - whose mission is to alleviate poverty by connecting people through lending. Our contribution allowed 28 entrepreneurs to get the funding they needed for their small businesses. These entrepreneurs are located around the world, including Mongolia, Peru, Cambodia, Viet Nam, Lebanon and Pakistan. Their businesses range from retail, technology, furniture making to restaurants.
Of 28 loans made, sixteen are fully repaid. That money has been reinvested to help small business owners in other parts of the world. Investing in KIVA showed how micro-lending can improve lives and empower individuals. It also demonstrates respect for people throughout the world who are trying to make a difference in their communities. The staff continue to follow their entrepreneurs via the Internet and make new investments with repaid loan money.
JEANS DAY
Each year Community Futures employees contribute monies raised through staff donations to Jean Day to local charities throughout the community. Annually, an approximate donation of $500 is made.
