Local businesswomen prove ‘going green’ is child’s play

With various campaigns out there encouraging people to “go green,” the owners of Fundomondo in Pointe Claire are trying to show that being environmentally friendly is all fun and games.

According to Fundomondo co-founder and Kirkland resident Becky Jones, she and the three other owners and managers – Joanne Sabien, Mairi Innes, and Julie Tytler – had “going green” in mind when the indoor children’s play area and party centre opened in the Plaza Pointe Claire’s new section about two and a half years ago. “Because we are a children’s play area, we feel like we should be looking to the future. Our customers are the children, and the children need a world to grow up in,” said Jones, a mother of two, adding that all of her business partners have children of their own. “Everyone’s becoming more conscious these days. We thought if we can make a change, maybe we can influence other people to make changes at home.”

Instead of supplying disposable dishes for children’s parties, Fundomondo uses No.5 plastic, re-usable dishes – and not the No. 7 plastic that has been raising concern due to bisphenol A (BPA). With about 12 parties a weekend with an average of 25 plates per party – plus a number of walk-ins during the week – that’s a lot of dishes saved from landfills.

Juice is also served in reusable cups from a pitcher, which Jones said saves about 150 juice boxes per weekend, and over 7,000 boxes a year.

In addition, the team at Fundomondo uses “green” cleaning products and Energy Star qualified appliances. They also take all recyclables home, because, as a commercial operation, there is no collection provided for them, Jones said. “It was a commitment,” she said. “But, we’re basically trying to show other businesses that anyone can do this. That’s what we’re trying to show: if we can do it, anyone can do it. However small the steps you start with, everything helps out.”

The idea of providing children with a healthy world even extends to Fundomondo’s café, where they provide healthy snacks, sandwiches, and soups in the colder months. They are gradually adding organic items to the menu, and currently count fair trade coffee among the choices. “There are no fries, no hot dogs, no pogos,” Jones said. “We really try to do our bit.”

Burt Johnston, co-owner of Plaza Pointe Claire, said he is very happy with the green road Fundomondo has taken, and hopes other businesses will follow suit. “They’re very good with what they’re doing,” Johnston said, adding Plaza Pointe Claire will be expanding its recycling efforts, especially in the eating areas, over the next little while. “We need that co-operation (from the businesses). They’re coming on board. The new section (of Plaza Pointe Claire) is very good.”

As for Jones, she and the team at Fundomondo constantly keep their eyes on the news and new products for ways they can be even greener. “We can all make a difference,” she said. "Every little thing adds up.”

Fundimondo is located in Plaza Pointe Claire, 245Q St. John’s Blvd. For more information, call 514-697-5678.