Hey there! My name is Debbie Lee and I’ve been an account manager at RecycleSmart for just shy of 3 months now! I help our clients optimize their waste and recycling needs. This includes recycling consultation to launch new recycling programs, recycling training and other initiatives to improve waste diversions. My job is to help them recycle more, reduce waste and save money while doing it!
My favourite things about working at RecycleSmart are the people and the clients. People here have a great sense of humour, but are also really passionate about making the world a better place and it makes for an awesome work environment. The work itself is great, and it really inspires me to see all these clients and non-clients seeking us out to help the environment!
I’m from Vancouver and went to UBC Sauder School of Business and graduated with a bCom in Marketing, but I’ve lived in Toronto for the past 7 years. I also briefly lived in Japan for 3 months. I decided to move back to Vancouver because I wanted to be closer to nature and my family, and because I wanted to transition into a sustainable career after travelling.
During my time in Japan, I worked for several months on an organic vegetable farm in the coldest township. Between home cooked meals and various sake tastings, local farmers and fishermen shared their daily struggles of maintaining their lifestyle as the rapidly changing environment and climate. The impacts of climate change never felt so real and so personal. It started my passion for understanding our relationship with food, a desire to learn more about food security, sustainable land development and farming. I returned to Canada with a desire to help the cause and fight climate change.
When I’m not at work, I LOVE eating and cooking food! I have a hobby farm where I’m growing organic vegetables. My favourite food is potatoes! I also love 70’s disco, I’m a big movie buff and I speak Japanese, Chinese and English. I started a street food tour in Taiwan where I’d take tourists to try hidden gems and local delicacies, and I’ve briefly dabbled in dog sledding.
My ultimate dream in life is to have an alpaca farm that is fully sustainable and self-sufficient!
