ABOUT
Vancouver Island is one of the most beautiful places on earth. We recognize that we need change in the world to protect the places we love. Our business community cares deeply about making a positive impact in our every day decisions. Together, we can reduce single use plastics, water consumption, energy use, waste and carbon emissions while also having a positive impact on our communities.
VIGBC members are leaders in green business practices and together, we are raising the bar. Checklists for each sector are full of actions we can take to make a difference. Each business is certified to levels Silver, Gold or Green based on the number of actions they have implemented.
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In addition to the VIGBC ranking, businesses also have the opportunity to become an Ocean Friendly Business by completing all Surfrider actions on your designated checklist. These action focus on reducing single use plastics
SYNERGY SUSTAINABILITY INSTITUTE
The Synergy Foundation is a BC non-profit with a mission to catalyze the green economy on Vancouver Island. Our 4 focus areas are Climate Action, Circular Economy, Food Security and Clean Oceans. We support business, youth and policy makers to take action and make Vancouver Island a world leader in sustainability. Check out our other programs:
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SURFRIDER VANCOUVER ISLAND
Surfrider Vancouver Island is the local chapter of the international Surfrider Foundation, based out of California. They are a collection of like-minded Vancouver Island coastal inhabitants working on coastal protection and preservation. Their mission is to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches through a powerful activist network.
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In 2016, Surfrider Vancouver Island has partnered with the Vancouver Island Green Businesses Certification (VIGBC) program to launch a new campaign that links businesses to responsible actions that will help keep our local beaches and waterways clean.
SUPPORTERS
Thank you to the following for their continued support!
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MEET THE TEAM
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Jill Doucette
Executive Director
Home town: Grand Forks, BC
Last trip: Mexico City
Favourite activity: Birdwatching
Board game: Ticket to Ride
Go to meal: Seafood linguine
Karaoke song: What's Going On
Currently watching: Anthony Bourdain's Places Unknown
Dream job as a kid: Insect biologist
Find me: Running on Gorge Waterway with my chocolate lab
Green goal: Introducing more plant-based proteins into my diet
Jen Fraser
Verifier
Home town: Victoria, BC
Last trip: Oregon Coast
Favourite activity: Soccer
Board game: Catchphrase
Go to meal: Baja fish tacos
Karaoke song: Man! I Feel Like a Woman
Currently watching: Designated Survivor
Dream job as a kid: Screenwriter
Find me: On the soccer field
Green goal: Shop conscious - support local & ethical
Georgia Lavender
Verifier
Home town: Flesherton, ON
Last trip: Fernie, BC
Favourite activity: Yoga
Board game: Monopoly
Go to meal: Red Thai curry
Karaoke song: Don't Stop Believin'
Currently watching: Westworld
Dream job as a kid: Firefighter
Find me: On the local mountain biking trails or in the yoga studio
Green goal: Supporting businesses in the circular economy & B Corps
Holly Dumbarton
Verifier
Home town: Calgary, AB
Last trip: Baja, Mexico
Favourite activity: Sea Kayaking
Board game: Cribbage
Go to meal: Sushi
Karaoke song: Bohemian Rhapsody
Currently watching: One Strange Rock
Dream job as a kid: Photojournalist
Find me: Exploring at Saxe Point
Green goal: Eating 85% local
Ellie Gilchrist
Digital Media Intern
Home town: Calgary, AB
Last trip: Portugal
Favourite activity: Climbing
Board game: Risk
Go to meal: Lemon garlic pasta
Karaoke song: Homecoming
Reading: The Dharma of the Princess Bride
Dream job as a kid: Interior designer
Find me: Napping on the beach
Green goal: Zero single use plastics
Steven Buchanan
Digital Media Intern
Home town: Prince George, BC
Last trip: Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
Favourite activity: Dancing
Board game: Catan
Go to meal: Tofu Scramble
Karaoke song: Sorry Not Sorry
Reading: Elantris
Dream job as a kid: Doctor
Find me: Walking near Cadboro Bay
Green goal: Buy more from refill stores using reusable containers