How one equipment distributor is helping reforest British Columbia, one equipment sale at a time. 

By Becca Anderson

While researching a recent article on East Van Laundry in Vancouver, BC, I spent some time exploring the website of its equipment distributor, Bichin Laundry Equipment. One section immediately caught my attention. It highlighted a sustainability initiative that was too good not to share. 

Sustainability often feels like a conversation about regulations, technology and energy efficiency. Sometimes, though, it begins with a simple idea that encourages businesses and customers to make a positive local impact. 

The program

The program is called “Wash. Dry. Grow.” Bichin explains the initiative this way: 

This is our corporate social responsibility-driven initiative, reflecting our commitment to sustainability, reforestation, and reducing carbon emissions. For every purchase of large-size equipment from us, we plant trees and dedicate them under your name. Our roots are in British Columbia, and our trees grow here in return.

Through this initiative, we aim to contribute to the reforestation of BC while supporting the communities we serve. Together, let us reforest BC.

Begun in 2025, the program has already produced results.

• 300 trees planted
• Approximately 299.7 tonnes of CO2 offset

“We’re excited to continue expanding the initiative in the years ahead,” said Daisy Pelingon, Bichin’s marketing consultant. We believe that providing exceptional commercial laundry solutions goes hand in hand with caring for our planet.

“Through this initiative, every purchase of qualifying commercial laundry equipment helps support reforestation efforts in British Columbia. Since our roots are in BC, we wanted our contribution to grow here as well. On behalf of our customers, we fund the planting of a tree and provide them with a certificate recognizing their environmental impact.”

Colorful posters and advertising reinforce the connection between Bichin and reforestation, making the initiative memorable for both existing and prospective customers. 

How does it work?

A diverse mix of native conifer tree species has been selected for the program, suitable for the local ecosystem, including pines, cedars and firs. All are planted in British Columbia, in sites that have been significantly affected by deforestation and are most in need of restoration, such as the Cariboo region.

“The feedback has been phenomenal,” Pelingon said, “and our customers appreciate that we are giving back to our planet, and more precisely, our beautiful Province of British Columbia. While commercial laundry equipment rely on natural resources such as water and energy, we believe it’s equally important to give back to the environment.”

What about your company?

Every region of the world has environmental needs that could benefit from programs like this one. What challenges exist in your area? Is there a way to involve your customers so they can help support local environmental efforts while feeling connected to the results?

If your company is already doing something similar, we’d love to hear about it. Send us the details and we’ll be happy to share your story with our readers. Send to: becca@fabricarecanada.com.

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