How is Inasmuch Going Greener?
We take care of people, and we take care of the planet too. We want love in action to meet climate action. Here's how sustainability shows up in our daily work
Recycling furniture
Inasmuch residents arrive with what they can carry and leave with a moving van full of furniture and household items to set up their first independent housing in Canada. Inasmuch collects gently used furniture from donors which keeps it out the landfill and helps make a house a home for newcomers.
Inasmuch has provided furniture and household items for 23 individuals so far in 2026.
Saving food from the landfill
Inasmuch has received weekly food donations from Hello Fresh for several years by collecting food not needed for meal kits. Until spring 2025 Inasmuch packaged up food and distributed it to our residents and others struggling with food security in Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Surrey.
In 2025 Inasmuch expanded the food program reach by partnering with The Gathering Church to launch a weekly Food Pantry Program which serves 40-50 households/week with vegetables, protein and other canned goods. All the items are free.
In 2026 The Pantry Program went a step further and partners with the Abbotsford Food Bank the 3rd Wednesday of the month so those who access The Pantry Program can receive their Food Bank items at The Pantry location.
Inasmuch has saved over 7,875 kgs of food from the landfill as of August 2026
Recycling bottles and cans through our Return-It initiative
Inasmuch loves teaching newcomers important things they need to know as they settle in Canada. One of those important lessons is how and where to recycle bottles and cans and why this matters to their own budget and to the environment.
As well Inasmuch encourages individuals, schools, and businesses to recycle their cans for a good cause and makes it easy to donate the proceeds to Inasmuch at the same time.
Sharing what we grow
At our Inasmuch residences, residents have the opportunity to grow their own food through our community gardens. From blueberries and grapes to a variety of seasonal vegetables, what is grown not only provides fresh food for our residents but also helps stock our food pantry initiative. This creates a meaningful cycle of growing, sharing, and supporting one another, allowing residents to contribute to the community while helping provide fresh, nutritious food to others in need.
Environmental awareness initiatives
Sustainability is also woven into everyday life at our residences. We provide resources and encouragement around practices such as recycling and composting, conserving energy, and making use of public transportation. Residents are encouraged to find practical ways to reduce energy use, such as turning off lights when they are not needed or using an extra blanket rather than turning up the heat at night.
We also introduce residents to local public transit and encourage the use of thrift stores as an affordable way to find clothing while giving items a second life. These everyday choices provide opportunities to care for our shared environment while making practical use of the resources available in our community.
Want to support this work?
Every donation and every can or bottle recycled helps us take care of people and the planet together.