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SustainabilityEnvironmental Initiatives
Protecting The Gardens and our planet for generations to come
Beyond nurturing the gardens, we have implemented environmental initiatives across The Gardens and our departments.
BIOSOLIDS: What the public needs to know
The Butchart Gardens is greatly concerned about how government is disposing of sewage biosolids in our community, and is an active member of the Peninsula Biosolids Coalition.
The Gardens
- Implementation of a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management program to control insect pests and diseases
- Extensive use of manual, mechanical and non-chemical weed control methods
- Repurposing wood waste, branches and leaves into mulch and/or compost
- Comprehensive composting program
- Utilization of drip irrigation wherever practical
- Using natural, reusable wood flats instead of plastic flats
Visitor Services
- Recycling cardboard, paper, glass and metal throughout The Gardens
- Cleaning with natural and biodegradable cleaners
- Rewarding staff who carpool to work
- Enforcing three-minute maximum idle rule
- When available, operating tours of local waters with electric boats
- Distributing biodegradable doggy bags to visitors free of charge
Food Services
- Composting all food waste, including dairy cartons
- Recycling all glass, plastic and tin
- Compostable plates, cutlery, straws, and glassware where possible
- Reusable pocket straws available for purchase in The Coffee Shop
- No longer selling single-use water bottles and adding water stations in restaurants and throughout The Gardens
- Sourcing local ingredients, organic where possible, including an on-site edible flower and herb garden
Seed & Gift Store
- Reusing or recycling surplus packing material such as Styrofoam, bubble wrap and boxes
- Separating and recycling cardboard, paper and plastic
- Reusing or recycling surplus packing material
- Using environmentally friendly printing methods and recycled paper when possible for print products
- Selling only Forest Stewardship Council certified calendars
Facilities
- Recycling water from streams and repurposing water for cooling
- Using low-energy fixtures with motion sensors and timers
- Using low-flow toilets throughout the grounds
- Recycling and reusing all metal
- Controlling temperature with an Energy Management Control System