Zero Waste at Island Gateway

The Island Gateway would like to thank our tenants and visitors in advance for helping us to create a community committed to the goal of Zero Waste.  There is no question that such a goal is challenging.  We as a community have to rethink and redevelop the way we do everyday business and continue to find new ways to reduce our waste.   Starting with the goals we’ve written about on this blog, and moving forward as a community we are certain we can continue to succeed at our goal of creating a Zero Waste community at Island Gateway!

Thank you!

Zero Waste: Building Materials for a Safe, Healthy Environment

Island Gateway has been developed to some of the highest standards of sustainable and environmentally sound construction anywhere in the nation.  From reclaimed and recycled building materials to a 99% job-site recycling program, Island Gateway is leading the way in sustainable construction practices. 

We have asked our tenants to join us in keeping that standard true by choosing environmentally friendly, non-toxic, sustainable materials for their tenant improvements.  By choosing non-toxic materials, from the drywall and carpets, to the paint and adhesives, we are creating office and retail spaces that are safe, healthy and comfortable for everyone who takes part in the Island Gateway community.

Beyond non-toxic materials we are also asking our tenants to increase efficiency of water and power through the use of efficient lighting with sensors and low-flow water fixtures.  This will decrease water and power usage while increasing savings on both resources.  Everyone wins!

As the construction process is conventionally wasteful, the Island Gateway development team has made itself available to assist tenants through the process and provide a list of sustainable materials for build-outs, helping to steer our community towards its goal of Zero Waste.

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Every couple of days, over the next few weeks, we will post about a selected element of our Zero Waste program so that you can learn more specifically about how the Island Gateway community is aspiring to become a Zero Waste community.

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Click here to learn more about our Zero Waste goals and mission and download the PDF.

Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce Luncheon

Please join the Island Gateway team TOMORROW to hear all about the project at the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce Luncheon.  

When: September 15th:  11:30 a.m. Sept. 15
Where: Wing Point Golf & Country Club, 811 Cherry Ave. NE on Bainbridge Island.
Cost: $15.
RSVP: Call (206) 842-3700 or visit www.bainbridgechamber.com

Zero Waste: Composting and Biodegradable Containers

Composting is, unarguably, the best way to eliminate food, paper and bio-plastic wastes.  There is currently no requirement through the State of Washington, or the city of Bainbridge for businesses to compost materials. 

The Island Gateway is asking all of our tenants to separate out all compostable materials so that we, as a community, can greatly reduce the amount of waste going into landfills, while creating a useful, renewable resource: compost!

Further, we’ll ask all our retail and food-service tenants to use biodegradable bags and containers so that we can help to eliminate the massive amount of waste created by these items in our communities.

By setting a high communal standard for commitment to composting, Island Gateway is leading the way towards the goal of Zero Waste!

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Every couple of days, over the next few weeks, we will post about a selected element of our Zero Waste program so that you can learn more specifically about how the Island Gateway community is aspiring to become a Zero Waste community.

....................... 

Click here to learn more about our Zero Waste goals and mission and download the PDF.

Island Gateway: A National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat

We are proud to announce that the Island Gateway has been recognized by the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) as a Certified Wildlife Habitat.  The NWF works to protect wildlife habitat nation wide and part of their program includes certifying “mini-refuges” in private gardens and campuses.  Being a NWF Certified Wildlife Habitat, for the Island Gateway, is about having a functional, thriving community, while still providing natural areas for wildlife. Thanks to “conscientious planning, landscaping and sustainable gardening, wildlife may find quality habitat – food, water, cover and places to raise their young.”

Read more about the National Wildlife Federation and how to make your garden into a Wildlife Habitat here: http://www.nwf.org/Get-Outside/Outdoor-Activities/Garden-for-Wildlife.aspx

Zero Waste: Environmentally Conscious Custodial Services

Island Gateway will ask all tenants to hire cleaning teams that are committed to using eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning supplies for their retail and office spaces.  It is important that the community upholds the high standard of public and environmental health set by the development, architecture and construction at Island Gateway.

Through the use of safe, non-toxic cleaning materials, the community will directly increase the environmental health and comfort of those who spend time in our buildings. We will also reduce the negative impact of such waste entering our waterways.

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Every couple of days, over the next few weeks, we will post about a selected element of our Zero Waste program so that you can learn more specifically about how the Island Gateway community is aspiring to become a Zero Waste community.

....................... 

Click here to learn more about our Zero Waste goals and mission and download the PDF.

Zero Waste: Enhanced Recycling Program

Recycling is an integral part of any zero waste program, and while recycling programs continue to improve many are quite limited as to the scope of materials they are able to process. 

Island Gateway is setting a goal to increase the amount and types of materials recycled, going beyond what is currently accepted and processed by Bainbridge Island Disposal. 

Many plastics and other materials that enter recycle bins never see the light of the processing plant.  They are simply sorted out and sent to the landfill.  By increasing the materials that can be recycled from our community we are moving closer to our goal of Zero Waste!

If you are interested in learning more about what and where you can recycle certain items go to Sustainable Bainbridge’s wonderful website and take a look at their Road Map to Zero Waste. http://www.sustainablebainbridge.net/Zero%20Waste.html

 


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Every couple of days, over the next few weeks, we will post about a selected element of our Zero Waste program so that you can learn more specifically about how the Island Gateway community is aspiring to become a Zero Waste community.

....................... 

Click here to learn more about our Zero Waste goals and mission and download the PDF.

Zero Waste: Solar Power Recycle, Compost and Waste Bins

One of the challenges of Zero Waste is sorting and organizing the recyclables and compostables from the absolutely unavoidable waste.  It is important to have visible, accessible sorting bins so that all of this organizing is an ongoing, communal effort.  We will provide sorting bins in a covered location in the parking garage to encourage use of this option.  Further, it’s important to reduce the pick-up schedule for sorted bins so as to reduce the use of fuel.  Island Gateway will work with Bainbridge Disposal to set up an appropriate pick up schedule to minimizing fuel consumption.

One of the best-known sources of Zero-Waste power is solar.  Solar power has been around for years now, and is gaining success through improved design and implementation. One of the newer ways that solar is being used is to power waste compactors. Solar powered compactor bins will be located in the outer courtyard at the Island Gateway.  The exterior, solar powered bins, designed by a fellow Bainbridge Islander, will reduce the need for frequent pick-up by the disposal company..

These outdoor bins and those incorporated in to the retail and office spaces, will help to maintain waste product organization and uphold to the standard LEED requirements for interior commercial build-outs as stated by the USGBC.

Zero Waste: The Green Action Committee

The first step towards our goal of Zero Waste at Island Gateway will be to set up a Green Action Committee, which will consist of tenant volunteers who are willing and interested in spearheading the implementation of the Zero Waste processes.  This action committee will also continue to explore new ways to better approach the goal of Zero Waste.

It is important that the Green Action Committee consist of tenant volunteers as it will take the efforts and commitments of the entire community if we are to achieve success in this goal. 

There is no doubt that Zero Waste is a challenging and daunting goal, but it is achievable through innovation and commitment.  The Green Action Committee will help to keep the community on the track toward the Goal of Zero Waste.


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Every couple of days, over the next few weeks, we will post about a selected element of our Zero Waste program so that you can learn more specifically about how The Island Gateway community is aspiring to become a Zero Waste community.

....................... 

Click here to learn more about our Zero Waste goals and mission and download the PDF.