In the vibrant neighbourhood of Burnaby Heights, a group of businesses is leading the charge toward sustainability. From eco-conscious pet stores to community-focused financial institutions, these enterprises are tackling challenges head-on while paving the way for a greener future. Let’s dive into their stories and discover the hardest challenges they’ve faced on their sustainability journey.

Navigating Sustainability Challenges: Green Businesses Leaders in Burnaby Heights Share Insights
Big Dog Little Dog Bakery: One step at a time
For Big Dog Little Dog, the journey towards sustainability began with a classic problem – the old building their business occupied. With creaky floors and outdated systems, making eco-friendly changes seemed like an uphill battle. But this didn’t deter them. They rolled up their sleeves and got to work.
By swapping out old bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs and fixing leaky faucets, they gave their old building a new lease on life. Plus, they made sure to turn off lights at night and only use what they needed, showing that even small changes can make a big difference. And here’s the icing on the cake – or should we say, the kibble on the dog dish? This bakery also offers incentives such as discounts to encourage customers to bring their own bags and containers, making sustainability a tasty deal for all.


Global Pet Foods: Conquering Packaging Waste
For Global Pet Foods, sustainability meant addressing the elephant in the room – packaging waste. With a substantial amount of waste generated from product packaging and shipping materials, the challenge seemed daunting. However, the team at Global Pet Foods took a proactive stance to tackle this issue.
By introducing a recycling program in collaboration with Terra Cycle, they empowered customers to responsibly dispose of pet food packaging. They also curated a selection of products with eco-friendly packaging, ranging from biodegradable poo bags to sustainable chew toys. Through these initiatives, Global Pet Foods not only reduced their environmental impact but also inspired their community to adopt greener practices.
Vancity: Banking on Sustainability
For Vancity Burnaby Heights Branch, being green isn’t just a trend – it’s part of their DNA. But integrating green practices wasn’t a walk in the park. They had to infuse sustainability into every aspect of their operations.
In their pursuit of sustainability, the branch places a high priority on sourcing at least 75% of their vendors and suppliers locally. This dual focus bolsters the local community and reduces the ecological footprint associated with transportation and logistics.
Plus, Vancity’s tellers have replaced plastic bags used in traditional banking with reusable cloth bags for deposits, effectively slashing single-use plastics. They’ve also adopted all-natural cleaning supplies for their janitorial needs, ensuring a workspace that promotes both health and environmental well-being for staff and members alike.
These adjustments spotlight Vancity’s dedication to curbing plastic waste and championing recycling efforts. Whether it’s supporting members in their green initiatives or minimizing their own environmental impact, Vancity leads by example in sustainable banking practices.


Palm Dental Centre: Balancing Sustainability with Hygiene
In the field of dental care, Palm Dental Centre faces a unique challenge: striking a balance between sustainable practices and maintaining a germ-free, hygienic environment. Naturally, clinic hygiene is paramount for the health and well-being of their patients. However, this posed a challenge in aligning with eco-friendly initiatives.
To navigate this challenge, Palm Dental Centre adopts a patient-centric approach by offering choices that empower patients to participate in their sustainability efforts without compromising on hygiene standards. For instance, patients are given the option to choose between paper towels and cloth towels in the washroom. This is just one of the ways Palm Dental works to meet the clinic’s sustainability goals.
From revamping old buildings to tackling packaging waste head-on, these Green Business Leaders’ commitment to making a positive impact on the environment is commendable.
By implementing eco-friendly practices in their day-to-day operations, they’re not only reducing their carbon footprint but also setting an example for their community. It’s a reminder that every small change, whether it’s switching to LED lights or offering recycling programs, can make a significant difference in preserving our planet for future generations.
These businesses aren’t just following the latest trends – they’re leading the charge towards a more sustainable future. And that’s something worth celebrating.