Green Workplace Initiatives Through Staff Collaboration
At Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), we don’t just talk about environmental sustainability, we live it too. Our commitment to environmental leadership recently took root when we launched our first edible garden for staff at our administrative office in Mississauga.
The garden is about more than growing food – it’s about cultivating community, wellness and a culture of sustainability in our workplace.
Where It All Began
The idea of the garden dates back to 2019, when staff began exchanging seeds and inspired one another by sharing gardening tips and experiences. By 2023, the idea of installing a raised garden bed at the office formed.
More Than Just a Garden
The edible garden is a space designed to bring staff together, support mental health, encourage active breaks and share gardening tips. Staff can refresh themselves between meetings or desk work by doing simple tasks such as watering or weeding.
We’re growing herbs and vegetables that staff can pick as a snack or add to their lunch. Herbs can also be used to make fresh tea.
Through this initiative, we hope to foster connection, encourage conversations about food sustainability and develop skills that can be used in the office garden and at home. We’re also reviving our composting program to support organic growing and will have educational materials about composting.
Our garden, which was generously funded by Break the Divide, is one example of how we’re incorporating green initiatives within our workplace. It’s this kind of initiative, along with many others, that helped us earn recognition as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for 2025.
Grow With Us!
There are many ways to cultivate your green thumb with us.
- Get involved: Join an upcoming event such as tree planting and invasive species pull to green your community.
- Apply to work with us: Join us in our work to protect, connect and sustain the Credit River Watershed. We value work-life balance and offer practices and benefits to support employee health and wellness.
- Follow our lead: Learn how you can engage your employees in nature-based team building activities.
- Discover sustainable gardening resources: Join us for a workshop or use our helpful resources to create beautiful and sustainable yards and gardens. Eligible landowners can request a free native tree for their yard.
Together, we can grow a greener, healthier future and build a resilient Credit River Watershed where the diversity of all life thrives.
Share what you’re growing with us on Instagram, Facebook and X.
By Jessica Santander, Technician 2, Real-Time Water Quality