Breaking Water with Jennifer Edgar
Swim Drink Fish is highlighting members of our incredible ecosystem. This Breaking Water segment features Jennifer Edgar. Jennifer began working as an administrative assistant for Eucalan in 1991. She has learned the business from the ground up and is now the Chief Executive Officer helping guide the company through a number of transformations.
Can you please introduce yourself and tell us where you work/what you do?
I’m Jennifer Edgar and the CEO of Eucalan. I oversee the operations of Eucalan from our head office in Paris, Ontario.
Could you tell us about your personal connection to water?
We are located along the banks of the Grand River and the Grand River Watershed, which is a vital source of water for our region. In addition, we are surrounded by the Great Lakes. I grew up on well water, which fortunately has always been clean, safe and delicious. Well water is also at risk of running low so we must be cautious in our use and not be frivolous.
Why do you think it’s important for brands to take initiative when it comes to protecting our planet?
How can we expect consumers to help, or do their part if we aren’t willing to give them a product, idea or method to make those changes possible? It starts with all of us, at all levels, to do what we can as a global community.
How does Eucalan prioritize protecting our planet and natural resources?
It has always been about water conservation and longevity in the clothing we wear. That was foremost in Mary Ellen Edgar’s mind when she saw a need for Eucalan. We can use less water and keep our favourite clothing in good shape, all while not contributing in a negative way to the environment. Because Eucalan is so concentrated, we are cutting down on the size of our packaging, the boxes we ship in, our freight costs, and ultimately greenhouse gas emissions.
Do you have anything else that you'd like to share about your work, your connection to water, or how we can encourage people to join the movement for a swimmable, drinkable, fishable future?
Use less water. Use less soap. A little goes a long way. If you wore your favourite sweater for an hour to get groceries, don’t wash it if it isn’t dirty. Spill on yourself? Spot-treat it if possible instead of throwing it in the washer.
Clif Family Foundation is proud to support hundreds of organizations that are working tirelessly to strengthen our food system, enhance equitable community health outcomes, and protect the places we play by being stewards of our environment and natural resources. Their desire is to leave the world a better place for our children.
