Editor:
One measure of the success of a business is how much it contributes to the local community. Salish Soils is an outstanding example. Having watched the company evolve for 15 years, I have been impressed with its ongoing dedication to worthwhile causes.
In addition to converting food and garden waste into useful landscaping materials, Aaron Joe and his team recycle several kinds of objects, which are not included in the SCRD’s roadside collection.
The income from refundable items is donated to Habitat for Humanity.
Salish Soils is committed to creating a sustainable environment. One of its goals is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and create green jobs. Clean wood waste is processed then transported to Howe Sound Pulp and Paper for energy generation. Contaminated wood is used as landfill cover material.
A sense of idealism is most evident in the restorative farm that Salish Soils initiated adjacent to Sechelt Hospital. In addition to providing patients with healthy food and a peaceful place to enjoy being outside, the harvest is shared with the shíshálh First Nation and organizations such as the Sechelt Food Bank, Run with Soup and One Straw Society.
When a considerable amount of garbage was dumped in the woods outside of Sechelt this spring, Salish Soils gathered and disposed of it. Tackling the complicated problem of managing invasive species is now on their agenda as well. It’s all part of ReconciliACTION, bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together to work for the common good.
With gratitude,
Richard Carton
Sechelt