The workshop in Redcliffe on 11 Sep (for those who couldn’t make the 4 Sep event) facilitated some great ideas and lively discussions. We’ve compiled some notes from the session, summarising points from participants’ post-it notes and worksheets.

WHY have a go at being more sustainable?

This is what people said…

• Support local initiatives and add value to them
• Reduce our environmental footprint
• Fulfil a personal & professional desire to be more sustainable
• Understand what I/we can do
• See how tools like Green Street can help
• Learn about ESG issues and the latest practices
• Pass on knowledge to others
• Create cultural connections
• Build business networks and meet like-minded people
• Develop new initiatives, such as a sustainable food co-op
• Understand the impact of sustainability strategies on our work/clients
• Find the right balance to achieve worthwhile benefits.

Reviewing your current situation

Participants used a worksheet to analyse actions, aids, barriers and possibilities for sustainability in their enterprise. Here’s a compilation of all the points made…

ACTIONS: What we’re already doing to be more sustainable

• recycling materials and packaging
• reusing and repurposing products, materials or signage
• offering flexible pickup/delivery services to reduce customer trips
• changing to LED lighting
• working from home and holding online meetings
• using online forms to reduce paper
• printing in greyscale to reduce ink use
• staff collecting rubbish from beaches
• collecting containers to benefit community groups
• buying eco-friendly promotional items
• providing bins to separate waste/recycling
• holding events free of plastic bags, balloons, straws or other plastics.

AIDS: Things helping us to become more sustainable

• customer demand & public awareness
• organisational support, staff culture and empowerment
• our increased knowledge of issues/strategies
• educational materials, tools and events
• groups and networks with resources and ideas
• electronic forms and online tools
• changing to sustainable suppliers
• government nd industry grants
• social marketing to target the right people
• income from sustainability activities.

BARRIERS: What’s getting in the way of being more sustainable

• customers/purchasers buy the cheapest (often imported) products
• customer demographics may limit demand
• overuse of disposable packaging
• need more council buy-in for service projects
• staff travel long distances, poor public transport
• staff expect to have air conditioning on
• staff hesitancy or lack of knowledge
• expectations (e.g. people expect balloons at events)
• availability of sustainable options/vendors
• cost to promote or implement sustainability initiatives.

OPPORTUNITIES: Other things we could do to be more sustainable

• discuss sustainable options with vendors/suppliers
• incorporate sustainability into procurement processes
• align with SDGs to tell the story in more detail
• review company vehicles to include EVs
• use sustainable business cards
• use reusable mugs for beverages instead of cafe takeaway cups
• market our sustainable services/initiatives in new ways/channels
• be prepared to spend more for better quality local products/services
• carpool for staff travel
• run Green Street cafe to get staff buy-in and ideas
• integrate sustainability into staff development & policies
• work with a social enterprise for recycling/upcycling.