The Whistler community cares deeply for the environment and acknowledges that we all have a role to play in preserving the area’s natural beauty. The Municipality’s Big Moves Strategy sets out a plan to act on climate change and reduce emissions by 50% below 2007 levels by 2030, and in the long term, reach net zero. To achieve this target, Whistler is collectively taking action to move beyond the car, reduce visitor travel emissions, decarbonize passenger and commercial vehicles, reduce building emissions, and shift towards lower carbon consumption.
We know that this kind of work is an ongoing journey as we all learn how we can contribute to a more sustainable future. Join our Changemaker host, Mike Douglas, a member-at-large of Protect Our Winters Canada, pro skier, enviro nerd and Whistler local, as he shines a light on what’s happening in Whistler to move the dial.
In video #7, we touch base with Claire Ruddy, Program Manager at Reuse Whistler. She chatted with Mike about how we can save energy and water, reduce waste and avoid microplastics by swapping single-use coffee cups with reusable ones.
What is Reuse Whistler?
Reuse Whistler is a circular economy initiative replacing single-use cups with reusable ones. It saves energy and water, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and avoids the release of microplastics from single-use containers
To-go food and drink containers are a major waste stream for Whistler, so we decided to focus on eliminating one-use coffee cups.
How does the program work?
It’s simple.
- When you order your drink, ask for a reusable cup.
- You tap your credit card.
- Enjoy your drink.
- And return the cup within five days.
- A charge is only applied if the cup isn’t returned, and it’s refunded as soon as it is (up to 30 days).
Do I have to take the cup back to the same place?
No! Users can return to any participating location or to Smart Return Bins located around the village and at the top of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
We are continually expanding locations, and the up-to-date list of participating cafés and return stations is available at reusewhistler.ca.
How do the cups get cleaned, and does this use a lot of water?
The Whistler Conference Centre and Tourism Whistler have donated the use of their commercial kitchen to us. It’s a testament to how lots of local businesses see the value of what we’re doing.
Washing in bulk uses less water and energy than it takes to manufacture a brand-new single-use cup and lid every single time. So, even with the washing, reuse quickly becomes the more eco-friendly option.
What’s the uptake been like?
It’s been great! Once people realize it’s just as easy as grabbing a disposable cup, they’re on board.
We’ve already kept thousands of single-use cups out of circulation, and that number keeps growing every month.
What do the businesses think of the program?
Everyone we’ve been working with has been fantastic.
A few were a little nervous at first — new equipment, logistics, a new habit for their staff to learn — but once they saw how smooth it was for their customers and team, everyone has been fully on board.
Which Whistler businesses are on board?
Participating and Return Locations:
- Naked Sprout Cafe and Eatery
- Alpha Cafe
- Blenz Coffee
- Mt Currie Coffee Company
- Garbo’s Capo Bar
Smart Bin Return Bins:
- Whistler Public Library
- Blackcomb Day Lodge
- Carleton Lodge (Garbo’s capo bar)
- Roundhouse Lodge (in the entrance – between the double doors)
- Rendezvous (downstairs opposite the washroom)
Are there any pain points and things you’ve had to overcome?
For sure.
As with any new program, there are new logistics to work through. The big one is logistics; making sure cups get collected, washed and back in circulation fast enough that no cafe ever runs short. But the big one for us is growing awareness of the program and making sure people know it is available for both residents and visitors.
Are you sticking with coffee cups, or are other reusables on the horizon?
Over time, we are hoping to add new components. We’d like to add to-go food containers, work with restaurants, hotels, and community programs. Next, we are focusing on events, where there is a huge opportunity to easily switch from throw-away to reusable.
How does Reuse Whistler align with the RMOW’s Zero Waste Action Plan?
Creating a community reusables program has been in Whistler’s Zero Waste strategies for over a decade, and so Reuse Whistler is the result of a lot of resort partner collaborations. That said, it’s more than just a waste reduction effort; it’s a circular economy solution, climate action, smart tourism, human health protection and an over-consumption system shift – all in one program.
How can interested businesses and events contact you if they’re interested in the project? Does it cost them anything?
Anyone looking to find out more info on getting involved can reach us at ac.reltsihwesuer@tcennoc or head to the website reusewhistler.ca.
This Reuse Whistler video is the seventh in the Whistler Changemaker series. To view more, visit our sustainability page.
