ASK THE 40

ONE OF THE BIGGEST MYTHS I’VE HEARD IS THAT ONLY BIG BUSINESSES CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, BECAUSE ONLY THEY CAN AFFORD TO. SUSTAINABILITY IS A KEY ELEMENT OF ANY BUSINESS j Melissa Mills CEO, Spread’Em Kitchen Co.

3. WHAT ARE THE FIRST STEPS TO FORMULATING SUCH A PLAN?

It can be overwhelming to eliminate waste and be sustainable in every element of the business from the beginning. Start out small, give yourself just one or two goals you’re most passionate about a year. This will feel less overwhelming and ensure you meet your goals. Once you see how easy it is to make your business more sustainable, you’ll find more ways to make a difference.

4. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MYTHS YOU HEAR AROUND BUSINESS AND SUSTAINABILITY?

One of the biggest myths I’ve heard is that only big businesses can make a difference, because only they can afford to. Sustainability is a key element of any business and something consumers are increasingly conscious of. Implementing strong sustainability practices and being open about them with your customers will help small businesses build a dedicated and brand-loyal customer base.

5. WHO OR WHAT HAS SIGNIFICANTLY SHAPED HOW YOU THINK ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY?

I’ve always felt passionate about sustainability. My husband is a journalist who has covered Vancouver’s Greenest City 2020 Action Plan, so I would join him at events around the city. What really spoke to me was watching Michael Ableman and Will Allen speak on their passion for supporting at-risk people, and finding a way for them to have access to real, whole foods, rather than heavily processed food. Other resources I recommend for anyone who wants to learn more about sustainability are Fresh, a documentary by Ana Sofia Joanes, and The Good Food Revolution by Charles Wilson and Will Allen. É ASK THE 40 In considering sustainability from a social perspective, we asked Forty under 40 winners for insight into how they practice or promote wellness in their daily lives.

I turn ‘coffee meetings’ into a walk, run or ride Travis Stevenson President, JTS Consulting

Webnames reimburses each staff person for sports equipment, memberships and team activities Cybele Negris Co-founder and CEO Webnames.ca

Launching challenges at work, from monthly step count competitions to sustainable weight loss tests Ted Reid, President Paladin Technologies

I start my day with 45 minutes of yoga and meditation and make sure I get proper tech-free breaks throughout the day Steve Rio Founder and CEO Briteweb

Flexible hours to reduce the stress of childcare and lifestyle needs Kylie McMullan Principal Finch Media

I actively schedule downtime and selfdevelopment – and protect it Robert Coard Partner, assurance PwC

By taking sleep seriously Andrea MacLeod Manager, environmental programs Vancouver Fraser Port Authority I remind people that work and life need to operate in harmony. Drop boundaries, live one set of values Greg Malpass Founder and CEO Traction on Demand

We renamed “sick days” to “personal days” and encourage our team to take wellness time for themselves and loved ones Jeff Ward CEO, Animikii

Unlimited vacation policy Jeff Duncan President and CEO MeetingMax

I strive for a plant-based diet during the week: it helps to keep my mood and energy consistent Jessica Hollander Torres Director, marketing and communications Carruthers & Humphrey

I‘ve implemented a daily mental health checkin board – a built-in moment for mindfulness Chelsea Ganam Western Canada regional director of operations CBI Health Group

I make a point to always have a full breakfast, gather my thoughts and have a plan for the day Robin Dhir, President Twin Brook Developments Ltd.

Living congruently and authentically is the best way to stay well Renee Merrifield, CEO Troika Management Corp.