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These businesses are setting a sustainable legacy

Nicole Klinakis

We’re living in a time where sustainability policies have moved past just being a ‘nice to have’ and into a must have. Whether you’re an individual or an organisation, we are all responsible for our collective future. But, admittedly change can be scary – especially when companies are challenged with redefining processes and altering costs in order to ‘do what’s right for our planet and generations to come’.

Ultimately any shift towards sustainability, is a shift in the right direction, no matter how big or small. And, becoming more socially responsible doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as it seems. These businesses are setting realistic examples of how companies who champion small change can, overtime, achieve big impact.

 

Westpac Group – Supporting the transition to a low carbon economy

In September 2015, the General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in order to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Although sustainability measures aren’t yet mandatory across Australia, Westpac is one of many national businesses taking a proactive approach to the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

One such area is backing the growth of climate change solutions. First setting out its climate change agenda a decade ago, the bank continues to play a leading role in a rapidly evolving landscape – lending $9.1 billion to businesses creating climate change solutions last year.

 

The Little Marionette – Advocates for a better world, one cup at a time

Much loved TEDxSydney coffee partner, The Little Marionette are no strangers when it comes to advocating for a better future. By re-evaluating their supply chain from farm to consumer, TLM are taking a holistic approach to sustainability. They prove how being environmentally considerate can be an easy feat for any agile coffee company. First and foremost, they made the switch from plastics to biodegradable materials for each cuppa sold. And, for those on the KeepCup-wagon, TLM don’t pocket the dollars saved on disposables. Instead, they donate the extra change to environmental charity – plantatree.org.

It’s important to remember that sustainability is not only about protecting our environment or considering climate change. It’s also about responsible production and that includes advocating for better working conditions. TLM have stepped up their commitment to sustainability beyond the environmental sense of the word. From India, to South America and the Democratic Republic of Congo, TLM work closely with exporters to up the ante on social responsibility. Whether it’s helping female farmers gain financial independence or ensuring coffee pickers have access to free medical checks, TLM have established remarkable supply chain improvements with true longevity in mind.

 

Banish – One small footprint at a time

Sustainability entrepreneur, Lottie Dalziel, is another small business owner leaping into purpose-driven e-commerce, helping consumers reduce their carbon footprint through their purchasing patterns. These days, it’s so easy to shop online mindlessly without thinking what we’re buying or who from. Lottie’s online marketplace Banish, is making it easier for people to work towards their zero-waste ambitions.

The online bazaar is an eco-friendly trove of everyday products, proving you don’t need an all or nothing approach to sustainability. More than that, Lottie donates 1 percent of all revenue to Take 3 For The Sea. So, whether customers are shopping for beauty products or kitchen essentials, they’re helping to protect wildlife from plastic pollution.

 

By making decisions today, for tomorrow, these champions for change are proving size doesn’t matter when it comes to making a positive impact on our environment.  Their approach to sustainability is paving the way for other Aussie business and ultimately leaving a legacy we can all benefit from.

 

TEDxSydney 2019 will be a day like no other. Join us and find yourself guided on an inspiration packed day.


Photo credit Mert Guller

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