Our 2022 Impact Report is now available. From seedling donations, land conservation and wetland restoration to eliminating plastic packaging and using solar power, we have made great progress with our social and environmental goals. Please take a look at our journey to become both a more environmentally and socially responsible company.
Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC)
The Nature Conservancy does amazing work for the planet. They have conserved 2.8 million acres of Canadian land. Unlike many charities, 80% of the funds they raise go directly towards their conservation work. Since 2009, we have been partnering with the NCC because we believe society must preserve its natural heritage for future generations. Find out more about NCC.
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World Wildlife Fund and China (WWF)
Our donation to World Wildlife Fund China supports giant panda conservation projects, nature reserve protection, community development projects to limit the impact on the panda’s forests, and research and monitoring work in the Minshan and Qinling mountains.
© 1986 Panda symbol WWF-World Wide Fund For Nature (also known as World Wildlife Fund).
® “WWF” is a WWF Registered Trademark.
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Jane Goodall - Roots and Shoots
Our monthly support of the Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots and Shoots program contributes to teaching young people how to become agents of community change through experiential learning and providing programming to schools. Learn more about the Jane Goodall Institute here.
Wildsight
Wildsight works locally, regionally and globally to protect biodiversity in Canada’s Columbia and Rocky Mountain regions. We strive to inspire a conservation ethic in our children and in our communities so that the future leaders of tomorrow will be equipped to deal with the challenges of sustainability. Learn more about the Wildsight here.
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Trees for Schools
We have donated 198,245 tree seedlings and 11,527 wildflower seed packets to schools across Southwestern Ontario since 2009. Find out more about our Trees for Schools program.
Copernicus Designated Nature Preserve
You may be wondering what it means to be designated as a nature preserve. Simply put, we have worked with the Niagara Biosphere Conservancy to legally protect the 90 acres surrounding Copernicus from future development. The land is currently home to threatened species such as the Bobolink songbird and the Monarch Butterfly. They can rest assured knowing their habitat will be protected regardless of who owns the property in the future.
Land Preservation and Reforestation
We have reached our goal of protecting 1000 acres! We were aiming to reach this goal by the end of 2022, however, we were able to accomplish this a little ahead of schedule! We have donated acres of wilderness land containing provincially significant wetlands to the Muskoka Conservancy and Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy which protects and preserves land for future generations. We have also protected an additional 190 acres through conservation agreements.
Solar Panels
Solar panels now provide approximately 20% of our electricity. We’re using enough of the sun’s energy to generate power for our entire office space and some of the factory. We have also installed solar panels at a vendor facility in China. It’s a first in the community and generates 100% of their electricity.
Safe Drinking Water
Every year we aim to support three elementary schools in remote areas of China. In 2017, in addition to fire extinguishers and other key necessities, we installed an on-site water purification system at each school. Students no longer have to carry water from home on their long walks to and from school.
Landfill Waste Diversion
We divert 75% of our waste from landfill through recycling and composting. Reducing and diverting waste remains an important focus in our day-to-day operations. Our goal is to continue to reduce and watch this percentage rise.
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More sustainable packaging and printed materials
In 2019, we began printing our collaterals, including our catalogs and brochures, using 100% recycled paper and a waterless printing method. The printing process typically uses a lot of water so choosing to partner with a company capable of printing without water helps conserve one of our most precious natural resources.
Bees
The decline in our bee population is well publicized. What isn't generally known is the important role bees play in the balance of our ecosystem. No bees = a vast drop in available crops. We are trying to do our bit on Copernicus property by establishing and managing our own bee hives. Over the past few years, we have encountered many challenges with our bee colony and currently do not have any active hives. Most recently, chalkbrood disease and warm winter weather followed by cold snaps have caused the loss of our colony. If we are successful in establishing hives this year and they are strong enough, we may harvest some of the honey. We can’t wait to see our hives buzzing again.
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