Earth Hour: Other ways businesses can battle climate change?
Belinda Humphries
On Saturday night I was sitting in a small local restaurant with some friends. Half-past eight came and went without so much as a dimming of lights from any of the restaurants in the plaza for Earth Hour. By the time I’d realised Earth Hour had passed it was around 10pm, and it crossed my mind that turning off the lights for an hour may not be a practical option for all small businesses.
It’s vitally important for all of us to consider the effect of what we’re doing on the future of the planet, and all businesses small and large can take steps to ensure their impact on our environment is minimal. But when a restaurant has five hours of service on a Saturday night, bringing the venue to a standstill for one of those hours might not be an option.
I’ve come across some really simple things that indicated a business is doing its part. I was waiting for a girlfriend in a restaurant recently and instead of bringing me a new glass of the same wine, the waiter simply brought the bottle over and refilled my old glass - much more efficient than washing two glasses. I’ve been to many a cafe offering discounts to people who bring their own cups, and who can forget those supermarket envirobags?
I’d like to hear from both small business owners and others who have seen creative, funky ways in which businesses have helped protect the environment or battle climate change.
Business owners and locals can get involved in the Garage Sale Trail on Sunday April 10. It’s a community-driven event, that takes a fun and innovative approach to sustainability.
http://www.garagesaletrail.com.au/Annie P of Sydney
