Sustainable changes deliver new customers

Business owners will learn how making small sustainable changes can increase company profits, help attract new customers and reduce their environmental footprint at a Customs House seminar this month.

The City of Sydney’s City Thought Leaders: Sustainable Business Practices session on 26 July will bring together a successful brewer, designer, hair stylist and retail consultant who have all put sustainability at the core of their companies.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the sustainable business practices seminar will encourage and inspire Sydney business operators to become more efficient.

“Businesses play a crucial role in affecting our city’s environmental and economic sustainability. This free seminar will show how simple, sustainable practices can not only make a business more planet-friendly, they can also reduce overheads,” the Lord Mayor said.

“By hearing from successful eco-minded professionals, small business operators will learn how becoming more sustainable can save them money and attract more customers.”

Seminar speaker Melinda Tually of Ndless is a responsible sourcing consultant specialising in fashion and retail. She says sustainable choices don’t have to mean big outlays.

“Small, simple things like a change in the supply process, installing a water-saving device or using LED lighting will mean efficiency gains that lessen environmental impact and ultimately save money,” said Ms Tually.

“Businesses should be using social media to share their story and attract new customers. It’s a great low cost way to celebrate and communicate your sustainability achievements.”

Sasha Titchkosky is co-founder of Koskela, a leading Australian furniture and design brand with a large retail outlet in Rosebery.

She says their commitment to supporting Indigenous artists and championing social enterprise has been embraced by their customers.

“Our customers love that when they buy a unique creation they are also supporting Australia’s heritage and Indigenous culture. People want to know their purchases can effect social change,” seminar speaker Ms Titchkosky said.

“From a business perspective, it shows that it’s possible to be ethical, successful and make a profit.”

Oscar McMahon, co-founder of Young Henry’s Brewery, will tell the seminar how the company’s involvement with the local community has seen them reduce their environmental impact.

Diego Padilla Vargas, co-founder and master artisan at The Sustainable Salon, will share simple techniques he used to reduce the salon’s environmental footprint, such as mixing colour in coconut shells.

The free City Thought Leaders seminars are held at Customs House on the last Wednesday of the month until November.

Seminar: Sustainable Business Practices

Date: Wednesday 26 July

Time: 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Cost: free, but bookings are essential

Bookings and event information: whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/sustainable-business-practices

Future seminars are:

For media inquiries or images, contact City of Sydney Senior Media Advisor Belinda Wallis

Mobile 0467 810 160 or email [email protected]

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, phone 8974 4165 or email [email protected]