Ziptrek Ecotours

Re-Build It

September 2009

Whistler has made an impressive, tangible commitment to building a sustainable community. The success of the Re-Use-It Centre is a shining example, and it is providing inspiration for other commendable initiatives.

In operation since 1999, Whistler’s Re-Use-It Centre is both an elegant and practical solution to the particular needs of our community. As we all know, Whistler has a large seasonal population. Many things are needed, but often only for a short time. It has the potential to be a waste management crisis. But the Re-Use-It Centre is the place where these items can be salvaged and sold to the next wave of temporary residents- saving them money as well.

Built on the philosophy that “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure”, Whistler’s Re-Use-It Centre is working wonders. The 2008 statistics are incredible. Based on bag counts, over 194 metric tonnes were kept out of the landfill. An additional 47 tonnes of e-waste were kept out of landfills in partnership with Encorp. Larger items like furniture and appliances accounted for an additional 47.9 metric tonnes of household goods kept out of the landfill. In all, about 380 metric tonnes were diverted from the waste stream. By itself this would seem to be a perfect solution, but it takes it on step further.

Run by the Whistler Community Services Society, the $550,000 in revenue generated in 2008 covered 75% of their funding.

In essence, the Centre uses economic means to make an environmental difference, and builds a more sustainable community in the process. It is unquestionably a remarkable success story, and it is poised to take things a step or two further.

A 2004 study concluded that 29% of residential waste came from reusable and recyclable construction waste. Whistler Community Services sees this as another opportunity to further support environmental sustainability while advancing its social mission. In 2006, it began planning the Re-Build-It Centre, which, like its sister enterprise, will sell donated materials at an affordable price, with all profits going to social service programs in Whistler.

The RMOW has donated the land for the facility in the Callaghan Valley and The Canadian Home Builders Association and VANOC are providing valuable support. The facility itself will offer affordable home remodelling and repair materials in addition to information, education and inspiration about sustainable home improvement.

If you are interested in donating funds, skills, materials or your time to this exciting project, contact Greg McDonnell, Executive Director, Whistler Community Services Society; 604.932.1407 Email: greg@mywcss.org