THE GOOD PLACE
Solar Energy, Clean Clothes
Through its innovative use of solar power and commitment to social initiatives, the Beach Solar Laundromat shines brightly as a model for how small businesses can make an impact.
By Kate Rae
(Top) The Beach Solar Laundromat uses solar power to heat water, heat the building and reduce emissions. (Above) Coats await their new owners near the laundromat's front entranceway. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ALEX WINCH
IN 2002, WHEN ALEX WINCH bought an old building on Toronto’s Queen Street East through an estate sale, the private investor found himself the owner of a rundown laundromat that had seen better days.
But Winch saw the space’s potential. He’d previously set up a solar thermal shower at his in-laws’ cottage and knew how effective solar power could be for heating water. Winch hired a company out of London, Ont., to install a solar thermal system at the Queen Street East building. This immediately reduced the laundromat’s natural gas consumption by approximately 30 percent, and the Beach Solar Laundromat was born.
With its low prices and environmental ethos, Winch’s solar laundromat attracts both neighbourhood residents and people willing to travel a bit further to lower their carbon footprint. But two years ago, the laundromat also became known for its community support initiatives, which Winch put in place after an unhoused woman took some sweaters out of a dryer.
“Need a coat? If there’s one on the rack, please feel welcome to take it. Have a coat? If there’s a free hook on the rack, please feel welcome to donate a clean, warm coat.”
“If I'd had a coat in hand, I could have tried to barter with her,” Winch says. Instead, he installed a coat rack outside the laundromat, alongside a sign that reads: “Need a coat? If there’s one on the rack, please feel welcome to take it. Have a coat? If there’s a free hook on the rack, please feel welcome to donate a clean, warm coat.”
The simple rack allows people who need a warm coat to get one — no paperwork, no barriers, no judgment. Winch has no idea how many coats have been passed along, but he estimates that hundreds have gone to neighbours in need.
Winch has also implemented a “pay it forward” program, where customers can anonymously contribute to help someone do their laundry. All anyone has to do is let the wash and fold staff know that they need a bit of help, and they will be provided with tokens.
Winch recalls one regular customer who had to undergo treatment for an aggressive form of cancer and was unable to work. “Cash became really tight,” Winch recalls. But thanks to the community and the laundromat, one worry was taken away. “We were able to help him with the dignity of clean clothes.” CAA
amet quis
Amet Lorem aute. Eu occaecat excepteur exercitation duis. Cupidatat aliqua veniam irure.
amet quis
Amet Lorem aute. Eu occaecat excepteur exercitation duis. Cupidatat aliqua veniam irure.
(From left) The Beach Solar Laundromat uses solar power to heat water, heat the building and reduce emissions; coats awaiting their new owners near the laundromat's front entranceway. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ALEX WINCH
(From top) The Beach Solar Laundromat uses solar power to heat water, heat the building and reduce emissions; coats awaiting their new owners near the laundromat's front entranceway. | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ALEX WINCH
IN 2002, WHEN ALEX WINCH bought an old building on Toronto’s Queen Street East through an estate sale, the private investor found himself the owner of a rundown laundromat that had seen better days.
But Winch saw the space’s potential. He’d previously set up a solar thermal shower at his in-laws’ cottage and knew how effective solar power could be for heating water. Winch hired a company out of London, Ont., to install a solar thermal system at the Queen Street East building. This immediately reduced the laundromat’s natural gas consumption by approximately 30 percent, and the Beach Solar Laundromat was born.
With its low prices and environmental ethos, Winch’s solar laundromat attracts both neighbourhood residents and people willing to travel a bit further to lower their carbon footprint. But two years ago, the laundromat also became known for its community support initiatives, which Winch put in place after an unhoused woman took some sweaters out of a dryer.
“Need a coat? If there’s one on the rack, please feel welcome to take it. Have a coat? If there’s a free hook on the rack, please feel welcome to donate a clean, warm coat.”
“If I'd had a coat in hand, I could have tried to barter with her,” Winch says. Instead, he installed a coat rack outside the laundromat, alongside a sign that reads: “Need a coat? If there’s one on the rack, please feel welcome to take it. Have a coat? If there’s a free hook on the rack, please feel welcome to donate a clean, warm coat.”
The simple rack allows people who need a warm coat to get one — no paperwork, no barriers, no judgment. Winch has no idea how many coats have been passed along, but he estimates that hundreds have gone to neighbours in need.
Winch has also implemented a “pay it forward” program, where customers can anonymously contribute to help someone do their laundry. All anyone has to do is let the wash and fold staff know that they need a bit of help, and they will be provided with tokens.
Winch recalls one regular customer who had to undergo treatment for an aggressive form of cancer and was unable to work. “Cash became really tight,” Winch recalls. But thanks to the community and the laundromat, one worry was taken away. “We were able to help him with the dignity of clean clothes.” CAA