Sustainability at work

A focus on sustainability across our teams is creating a lasting positive impact for our customers, people, community and environment.

Reducing waste in our homes

Preparations for new food organics bins have been keeping our NSW residential care, sustainability and procurement teams busy ahead of the introduction from 1 July.

Part of the NSW government’s FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) initiative, the bins will help keep food waste out of landfill so it can be turned into useful resources such as compost and energy.

Sustainability Manager Kathryn Wightman-Beaven said the bins were a practical example of how everyday actions contribute to our broader sustainability focus.

“Sustainability continues to play an important role in how we deliver services and plan for the future,” she said.

“By separating this type of waste in our homes, we can reduce our environmental impact and contribute to more sustainable waste systems.”

To help teams prepare, a range of resources featuring FOGO heroes Blade and Binny have been developed sharing simple tips to make it easy for teams to use the bins in daily practices.

Supporting environmental restoration

A new program led by our Retirement Living team will contribute to the restoration of one of Queensland’s most endangered forest ecosystems – the Mabi Forest on the Atherton Tablelands.

In partnership with Brisbane-based social enterprise Reforest, the program will fund the planting of a tree for every new resident welcomed into our retirement living communities from 1 July.

Jon Kirkman, Director of Operations Retirement Living, said the initiative reflected a growing focus on sustainability among residents who want to be part of positive change.

“Partnering with Reforest is a simple, practical way we can bring our sustainability commitment to life,” he said.

“We’ve already planted 193 trees in the Mabi forest this year – contributing to the restoration of 731 square metres of land – to recognise the contribution of every member of our retirement living team and the people who support them.

“Now, from 1 July, we will build on that by planting a tree for every new resident who chooses to become a part of one of our vibrant retirement living communities across Australia.”

From landfill to loved again

Baycrest residents and team members recently hosted their first pre-loved pop-up shop, giving new life to more than a tonne of items and having fun along the way.

The team worked with Wide Bay Waste Services to intercept items from local op shops before they were sent to landfill, while creating a free shopping experience for residents and the local community.

Lifestyle Coordinator Mel Preston said every item that finds a new home is one less in landfill and is also an opportunity for attendees to update their wardrobes.

“It’s all about educating people on how we can better dispose of unwanted items,” Mel said.

“Things like this are always on the forefront of our mind here at Baycrest as many of the residents and team have children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren so we want to make a better future for them.”

Wide Bay Waste Services Education and Engagement Officer Ash said it was an uplifting day for all involved.

“Together, we diverted an absolutely massive 1,408kg of textiles and books from landfill,” Ash said.

“Many residents walked away with full wardrobes, including brand-new items, and the impact of that was visible everywhere you looked.

“The success of the day wasn’t just measured by the kilograms though – it was the smiles, conversations and gratitude of everyone who came!”

The Baycrest team are aiming to hold another free pop-up shop closer to Christmas offering residents and the community a chance to grab pre-loved items for the festive season.

Visit the Sustainability Sharepoint site to find out more about sustainability at Bolton Clarke.

Main image: The pop-up shop at Baycrest saved many items from landfill.
Inline image 1: The Pemulwuy team with their new food organics bins.