ZipLocal's Green Commitment

Green Advocates

• A green team has been assembled to monitor and continue to grow ZipLocal's Green initiatives
• Employees are all trained on ZipLocal's Green policies and it is included in our Employee Handbook
• ZipLocal employees get involved in the community as an extension of our Green commitment

Energy Usage

• We take advantage of abundant natural light with large windows in our space, resulting in limited office light being consumed
• All employees turn off computers when not in use and any other electrical equipment; computer monitors are encouraged to be set to "Power Save" mode after 15 minutes of non-use
• All standard light bulbs have been replaced with compact florescent bulbs or low-voltage halogen that consume less energy and also run warm instead of hot
• Air-conditioning usage during the summer months is set to 23C with the compressor unit not going on until 8AM and then automatically turning off after 5PM

Office Locations

• Our Toronto office is located in a retrofitted and restored building
• Both our Downtown Toronto and Montreal office locations are both within walking distance from subways and other public transportation - 90% of employees walk to work or take public transit; with only 10% of employees driving to work
• Office has a shared bike for anyone's use
• Personal pick-up of purchased items for the office versus delivery service is employed at all times (including shipments between Toronto and Montreal office)
• Plants fill our office space to enhance the environment and not only assist in cleaning the office air, but absorbing indoor pollutions and computer radiation

Recycle & ReUse

• Using 100% recycled paper where possible or if partially recycled - ensuring FSC certified paper
• Using only ink cartridges that are recycled or refilled
• All employees are trained to double-side print only- printers are set to this mode as our default
• As a web-based company, all client and partner communications are done via email (or the telephone), including invoicing, e-newsletters
• ZipLocal does not use direct mail (paper) for Marketing
• Any inbound shipments we receive, packaging is either recycled or re-used
• A corporate internal Recycling program is in-place where all employees participate
• All old and unused computing and electronic equipment is donated for reuse to charitable organizations where possible and if not then provided to proper recycling facilities for this kind of equipment

Food/ Beverage

• Water available in the office is local Ontario tap water that is also available through the taps with a filter in-place - in Montreal and Toronto, where bottled water is used, bottles are recycled
• Coffee and tea available in the office is Organically certified & Fair Trade
• Reusable mugs, plates and cutlery are being used throughout our office for the consumption of meals, snacks, coffee and tea
• If we cater in, we buy organic food where possible
• All canned bottled drinks are recycled
• With a fridge and heating provisions available in our kitchen, litter less lunches are strongly encouraged

Last Updated: November 2008