Saturday, May 25, 2024
Entering its second year, Tourism Whistler is set to launch the 2024 Whistler Changemakers video series, continuing its mission to highlight businesses in Whistler that prioritize environmental stewardship and sustainability in their operations.
The inaugural video of this year’s series features F as in Frank, a local vintage clothing store. Owner Amy Rafferty discusses the detrimental impact of the fast fashion industry on the environment and our sense of value.
“We’re literally drowning in fast fashion waste and then we pass this burden on to countries who don’t have the infrastructure to deal with it,” says Amy, Co-Owner of F as in Frank.
“Wearing what already exists drastically reduces the environmental impact, so helping people shop second hand and helping people buy better quality that will last and can be used over and over again is future vintage versus future garbage.”
The 2024 Whistler Changemakers series, hosted by Mike Douglas—local pro skier, Protect Our Winters Canada member, and passionate environmentalist—delves into various sustainability topics. These include reducing textile waste, promoting social sustainability and cultural revitalization, fostering relationships between farmers and restaurants, and striving for a zero-operating footprint.
Led by the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), Whistler’s Big Moves Strategy outlines the destination’s climate action plan. The goal is to reduce 2007 emission levels by 50% by 2030, with a long-term vision of achieving net-zero emissions. Whistler is collaborating with residents, businesses, and visitors to promote active and public transportation, decrease travel emissions, decarbonize vehicles, enforce green building standards, and lower overall carbon consumption.
Throughout the year, Tourism Whistler will share stories from local businesses and organizations such as the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Whistler Blackcomb, and Alta Bistro, all of which are committed to environmental protection, cultural preservation, and sustainable community contributions.
“The Marketing team at Tourism Whistler is passionate about protecting where we play, so this project is important to us on many levels,” says Dee Raffo, Content Editor at Tourism Whistler. “We are thrilled to be continuing to tell the stories of local businesses who are putting sustainability first, and we look forward to sharing these stories with our visitors.”
This video series is part of a broader initiative to advance responsible, sustainable, and regenerative tourism. Recognized by Green Step, Destination BC, and Destination Canada, the Whistler Changemaker video series is celebrated as a leading example of Destination Stewardship.
Tags: environmental stewardship, sustainable tourism, Tourism Whistler, Vintage Fashion, Whistler Changemakers 2024
Saturday, May 25, 2024
