Theres bitten by the bug and then theres your garden variety full-on fever.
The latter diagnosis applies to Richmonds Auto West BMW, which is being swept up in all things green these days.
Last year, the dealership on Cambie and Shell roads erected the Lower Mainlands first wind turbine for commercial use a sky-grazing 60-feet tall device, aimed at reducing Auto Wests carbon footprint by generating electricity that is dumped directly into BC Hydros grid.
Before that, the company, which has spent more than $1.5 million on green initiatives, installed geothermal heating and cooling, green roofs, underground tanks to collect storm water, a water recycling system and solar panels.
Now the green fever will continue its spread at Auto West when the staff plant a 680 sq ft roof top community garden this spring.
And, come harvest time later this year, 100 per cent of the fresh fruits and veggies from their garden will go straight to the Richmond Food Bank Society.
We have worked so hard to make sure that the environmental footprint of our business is as low as possible, said Jaclyn Neumann, HR manager at Auto West.
Utilizing our rooftop garden to grow fresh produce for people in need in our community could not be a more rewarding pursuit for our employees, or a better use of our rooftop gardens.
Gardening is such a wonderful way to bring our hugely diverse team together weve been amazed by the level of commitment that our employees have shown to supporting our ongoing Food Bank initiatives and cant wait for harvest time.
Margaret Hewlett, executive director of the Richmond Food Bank, welcomed the news, adding that fresh produce is by far the most requested items from the people who use the vital service.
It is so important that we not only address hunger, but provide nutritious, fresh, locally grown foods to promote health and wellness for the families we serve, said Hewlett.
In fact, during our grocery distributions, we conduct nutritious recipe demonstrations, showing ways to cook with the range of fresh vegetables that are seasonally available at the food bank.
