Your Business Is Our Business - Sustainability Edition

Ep 1 | Your eco-friendly home-based business

Katrina from A Fitting Connection [https://afittingconnection.com.au/] and Lucinda from Going Green Solutions [https://www.goinggreensolutions.com.au/] share their expertise on transforming home-based businesses into eco-friendly enterprises. Katrina, a passionate advocate for sustainability in the textile industry, conducts educational workshops to raise awareness about waste and inspires communities to repurpose existing materials. Through partnerships with collection units, she contributes to the circular economy, emphasising collaboration, creativity and sustainable practices. Lucinda, a B Corp [https://bcorporation.com.au/] certified business owner, provides personalised assessments for homes, offering tailored solutions to improve efficiency. Her expertise extends to renewable energy solutions, guiding homeowners through green upgrades and practical sustainable practices in the home. Both Katrina and Lucinda highlight the significance that small changes have in making a positive impact on both finances and the environment, showcasing the crucial role businesses can play in environmental conservation. Begin your business sustainability journey today by exploring the range of resources available at nillumbik.vic.gov.au/business-sustainability [https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Business/Sustainability-for-business]. Find out more: * Learn how circular economy [https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Business/Sustainability-for-business/Circular-economy] principles can relate to your business * Conduct a business waste audit [https://business.gov.au/environmental-management/manage-business-waste], access Council’s A-Z Recycling guide [https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Residents/Waste-and-recycling/A-to-Z-of-waste-disposal] and learn about other waste reduction programs [https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Business/Sustainability-for-business/Recycling-and-waste-reduction] available to business * Explore sustainable energy solutions [https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Business/Sustainability-for-business/Sustainable-energy] * Connect with Council’s Sustainability team. They offer a personalised advisory service [https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Explore/Climate-and-sustainability/Sustainable-living/Energy-and-sustainable-living-advice] to help your business navigate sustainable practises See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Ep 2 | Elevating sustainable hospitality

In this episode, we explore two sustainability initiatives in the hospitality sector. Social enterprise Reground [https://www.reground.com.au/] is committed to reducing waste and promoting environmentally responsible practices in the hospitality sector. They offer a direct recycling service for coffee and chaff, delivering it to local community and home gardens. Additionally, they collect and convert soft plastics into oil, reducing the dependence on crude oil extraction. Reground's consultancy service helps businesses optimise waste systems and foster creative and collaborative solutions for waste reduction. Nestled in Hurstbridge, Greasy Zoe's [https://greasyzoes.com.au/], founded by Lachlan and Zoe, championed sustainability from its inception. With a strict local sourcing policy, the restaurant's innovative menu showcases mindful meat and fish choices, creatively incorporating seasonal ingredients. Operating solely on electric energy, Greasy Zoe's rejects styrofoam packaging, actively promotes reusable crates, and diligently composts all food waste. Find out more: * Learn how circular economy [https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Business/Sustainability-for-business/Circular-economy] principles can relate to your business * Conduct a business waste audit [https://business.gov.au/environmental-management/manage-business-waste], access Council’s A-Z Recycling guide [https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Residents/Waste-and-recycling/A-to-Z-of-waste-disposal] and learn about other waste reduction programs [https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Business/Sustainability-for-business/Recycling-and-waste-reduction] available to business * Explore sustainable energy solutions [https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Business/Sustainability-for-business/Sustainable-energy] * Connect with Council’s Sustainability team. They offer a personalised advisory service [https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Explore/Climate-and-sustainability/Sustainable-living/Energy-and-sustainable-living-advice] to help your business navigate sustainable practises.   See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Ep 3 | Cultivating regenerative food systems.

Dan Milne, a committee member of Local Food Connect [https://localfoodconnect.org.au/], passionately advocates for regenerative farming, emphasising its healing impact on living systems by enhancing soil, air, and water quality. He highlights the importance of fostering direct connections between eaters and growers, and points out the role of Local Food Connect in supporting local farming initiatives in NorthEast Melbourne. Caring Farms Coop*, a not-for-profit urban farm operating under a land share arrangement, cultivates organic produce that is sold to local businesses and donated to a food relief program. Horticulturist Callum shares the daily satisfaction and challenges of this initiative, stressing the positive impact of providing local businesses with seasonal, fresh produce with a minimal carbon footprint. Begin your business sustainability journey today by exploring the range of resources available at nillumbik.vic.gov.au/business-sustainability [https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Business/Sustainability-for-business]. Find out more: * Join the Local Food Connect [https://localfoodconnect.org.au/] * Book an expert horticultural workshops [https://edendale.weteachme.com/] at Edendale Farm * Apply for a Land Management Incentive Program Grants [https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Business/Sustainability-for-business/Local-food-production] or other rebates offered by Council to landowners *Caring Farms Co-op is comprised of members of The Veggie Empire [https://openfoodnetwork.org.au/the-veggie-empire/shop] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Ep 4 | Greening your hair and beauty business

In this episode, Sustainable Salons [https://sustainablesalons.org/] takes centre stage as a transformative force in the hair and beauty industry. Operating on a subscription-based membership model, the program diverts an impressive 95% of salon waste from landfill, amounting to over 1.7 million kilos to date. The initiative facilitates easy implementation of sustainable practices in salons of all sizes, providing collection bins and ensuring responsible disposal of plastics, metals, hair clippings, paper, chemicals and more. Salon owners Natalie from Hair by I [https://www.hairbyi.com.au/] and Amy from Eltham Cosmetic Clinic [https://www.elthamcosmeticclinic.com.au/] share their personal experiences, motivations, challenges and the positive impact of transitioning to the Sustainable Salons program. The podcast sheds light on customer responses, financial considerations and future sustainability goals, providing valuable tips for businesses aspiring to become more environmentally conscious. Begin your business sustainability journey today by exploring the range of resources available at nillumbik.vic.gov.au/business-sustainability [https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Business/Sustainability-for-business]. Find out more: * Conduct a business waste audit [https://business.gov.au/environmental-management/manage-business-waste], access Council’s A-Z Recycling guide [https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Residents/Waste-and-recycling/A-to-Z-of-waste-disposal] and learn about other waste reduction programs [https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Business/Sustainability-for-business/Recycling-and-waste-reduction] available to business. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Ep 5 | Building a resilient future - Innovation in construction

In this insightful episode, Jeremy introduces the Sustainable Builders Alliance [https://www.thesba.com.au/] (SBA), a collaborative effort aimed at promoting sustainable practices in the construction industry. With a keen focus on reducing environmental footprints and advocating for innovative design, Jeremy emphasises the importance of education, training, and awareness to drive positive change within the industry. Through the SBA, Jeremy sees a future where industry professionals pledge commitment to sustainability, engage in continuous learning, and work collaboratively to address challenges such as embodied carbon and achieving energy performance standards. Meanwhile, Greg from Transform Homes [https://transformhomes.com.au/] shares his sustainable building approach, highlighting early involvement in the design process and proactive waste management strategies. As a signatory to the SBA and holder of Green Living accreditation, Transform Homes exemplifies the principles of sustainability in action. Greg's story underscores the transformative impact of conscious decision-making, leadership, and industry-wide collaboration in driving sustainable practices throughout the construction process. Begin your business sustainability journey today by exploring the range of resources available at nillumbik.vic.gov.au/business-sustainability [https://www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au/Business/Sustainability-for-business]. Find out more: * Find out more about the Master Builders Green Living accreditation [https://www.mbav.com.au/green-living-accreditation] * Review the Energy Smart Housing Manual [https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/energy-efficiency-and-reducing-emissions/building-or-renovating/energy-smart-housing-manual] developed by Sustainability Victoria * Review the resources available from the Sustainable Building Alliance [https://www.thesba.com.au/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.