At Aussie Water Savers, we are always using environmentally conscious practices within our workplace and are always taking steps towards becoming more environmentally sustainable whilst manufacturing our Rainwater tanks. Since the beginning of 2008, we have adopted some simple yet effective ways to minimise our carbon footprint; here is what our staff have to say about the ways we do our bit for the environment:
Stephanie our Admin Assistant says:
“Seeing as I basically take care of the office, I make it a point to follow three simple rules – Restrain from printing unnecessary documents when I can simply read them from the computer or forward them to another email. Reuse paper that I have needed to print, if it hasn’t been used on both sides then it can be reused for the next time we need to take notes or write drafts. Recycle any paper products that have been fully used. I have placed clearly marked recycle bins around the office, just to make it easy for our staff to do the right thing. I have given each office a power board to plug all their electronics into, so of an evening before I leave, it’s a matter of turning off one switch.”
Rhonda our Marketing Manager Says:
” Being the Marketing Executive at Aussie Water Savers means that there is a lot of dealing with people and networking, so I think it’s important to deal with local businesses in the area to avoid driving to far. Being a part of Ausbuy, we also only deal with 100% Australian companies; we choose not to contribute to the negative effect overseas business places on our environment. When we create brochures, business cards and any paper products, we make it a point to use recycled materials where ever we can. When our clients ask for copies of paper products, we try to encourage emailing instead of posting; our website design has been created and maintained by local Australian professionals. “
Paul our internal Accountant says:
“I make it a point to network with local groups that make a positive impact on our environment. We try to find organisations that are in line with our values and interests that we feel we can help. We do this by either donating money or products to the community for environmental causes. A recent incentive in our office is monthly Bonus of $500 to the employee that makes the biggest environmental contribution for the month – Anthony decides on who he thinks made a difference – that really gets everyone going!”
Ben in Technical Support says:
“I have created my own system of minimising waste in the workshop area at our plant. I sort out the off cuts of the Rainwater tanks and put them into gigantic hessian bags which get returned to the supplier to be manufactured into other items. It is my job to check stock levels of tank fittings and don’t over order. Once a week when cleaning down the floors in the workshop, I sweep the floors and then use water from our onsite rainwater tank to wash down the trucks and machinery. Although we have had our electrician install energy saving light globes in our plant and office, in the plant we use nothing but natural sunlight!”
Anthony our Director Says:
“When I started this company, I wanted to grow it as much as I could, without huge levels of wastage. Rainwater tanks are a push for environmental sustainability, so I can’t just use my tank as an ‘environmental marketing scheme’ to sell if I am not practicing what I preach. So I make it a point to do my part too. I feel I make a contribution by dealing with ‘Green Vendors’ – companies that are preferably within 100km of my business, independently owned, their products are made with less toxic materials & can be recycled, and the thing that gets me the most – they must have MINIMAL packaging. I prefer to deal with small businesses instead of the bigger ones. I know what it is like to be a small businessman and I think it’s important that the locals help create a sense of community and support each other – and at the same time they are making their own contribution to the environment, it becomes a cycle!”
