FAIRMONT WATERFRONT, VANCOUVER
On Canada’s west coast, the Fairmont Waterfront is one of the country’s leading eco-friendly hotels. Here, being green is more than a buzz
term — it’s at the heart of the hotel’s operation. Fairmont Waterfront is ranked as a 5 Green Key hotel, thanks to projects such as its
2,100-square-foot rooftop herb garden (which grows more than 20 varieties of herbs, fruits, vegetables and edible blossoms), the six beehives
that occupy the third-floor terrace (in summer, guests can take guided
apiary tours with an on-site bee butler), and its mission to become zero
waste-certified (which requires increasing the hotels’ waste diversion
rate to 90%). The hotel also offers an Eco-Meet Program, in which
event planners can ensure their events are environmentally responsible
and can opt in to donate unused food to a local charity.
From sustainable seafood to organic wines, the hotel’s dining menus
also carry the eco-friendly, locally responsible mandate. ARC Restaurant uses the on-site herb garden in its dishes— bringing a whole new
meaning to the term “locally sourced.” Meanwhile, in the ARC Bar,
the hotel’s herbs star in specialty cocktails, and there’s even a Fairmont
Honey Lager — made from the hotel’s own honey — on the menu
alongside local craft beers and Canadian wines.
Fairmont Waterfront also helps to add a green focus to local fashion and
design. The hotel is a sponsor of Vancouver’s annual Eco-Fashion Week,
which includes events such as the Thrift Chic Challenge, in which three
stylists are given a $500 allowance to create 10 runway-worthy outfits
using only items found at Value Village, as well as the 68-Pound Challenge, meant to reflect the amount of clothing and textiles the average
North American throws away each year; participants create a brandnew collection from 68 pounds of Value Village clothing.
Those looking to buy a few items to take home will want to explore
nearby Gastown, an enclave of hip bars, restaurants and boutiques.
Eco-Fashion Week founder and president, Myriam Laroche, praises
Gastown shops like One of a Few, John Fluvog, Litchfield, Dutil, Community Vintage and Old Faithful Shop for unique and locally made
fashion finds.
www.fairmont.com