Nova Scotia Business Challenged to Reduce Waste

ENVIRONMENT/LABOUR--Nova Scotia Business Challenged to Reduce Waste

Businesses that aggressively reduce waste can expect more profit, enhanced corporate reputation and new opportunities. Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash delivered that message today, Oct. 22, at a breakfast meeting marking Waste Reduction Week.

He told the audience of business leaders in Halifax that new business models based on low or no waste are the way of the future. He said these models have been embraced by major international corporations and are beginning to take root in Nova Scotia.

Mr. Morash cited the recent venture between Ocean Nutrition Limited and Wilson's Fuels to distribute a furnace fuel that's based on fish oil that used to be dumped. He said turning waste into opportunity takes "vision and creativity, and a willingness to look beyond your current business model."

Mr. Morash said government is doing its part. The provincial energy strategy commits government to incorporate energy efficiency into building renovations and purchases. Corporate fleet purchasing will also be influenced by energy efficiency.

"Nova Scotians intrinsically value environmental responsibility," the minister said. "They demand it of government and they expect it of business and industry."

Waste Reduction Week runs until Sunday, Oct. 26. It is sponsored by the Clean Nova Scotia Foundation and Nova Scotia Environment and Labour.