Optimising Hosts 1% for the Planet’s First Melbourne Meetup
Niamh O'Higgins
Content Specialist
Posted: 01 Aug 2024
As a proud member of 1% for the Planet, last week, Optimising headed north to Brunswick to host the first 1% for the Planet meetup in Melbourne. For anyone who couldn’t make it, or who enjoyed it so much they want to relive it all over again, here’s a recap of some of our favourite parts of the evening’s discussion!
What is 1% for the Planet?
If you’re not already familiar with 1% for the Planet, that's ok! In short, the organisation stemmed from the belief that as companies, we have a responsibility to protect the planet whose resources we depend on. Now, thousands of members all across the globe have joined our team, donating at least 1% of their revenue towards the preservation and conservation of the natural environment. As of the 2023 annual report, 3,703 companies are now working together and making donations to support the cause.
Discussion Time
Our panel was made up of three speakers who had some insightful notes to share on how their businesses play their part in 1% for the Planet.
Steph Curley, CEO of Surfrider Foundation, is the Activism Manager for Ben & Jerrys Australia, where she focuses on fighting for climate justice. She has previously worked in both business and not-for-profit sectors, too.
Vaibhav Gaikwad, conscious fashion brand Elk’s head of sustainability, has been a driving force behind one of the brand’s most significant recent developments; their commitment to set a Net-Zero emissions target.
Mike Halligan, is a co-founder at Scratch, where he helps to produce dog food that’s better for dogs, owners, and the environment. At Scratch, the team pays close attention to every step from supply chain management to packaging and delivery, ensuring that each stage is as eco-friendly as possible.
The Main Event
On Thursday, we got together with other Australian business members, environmental partners, and people just generally interested in helping our planet to discuss the organisation and the parts we can all play in protecting our environment.
We were lucky enough to have our head of People, Culture & Sustainability Skye Baker lead the event as our host, so it’s no surprise that the room was buzzing with positive energy and excitement!
Once the panel discussion started, we got to hear from Mike, Vaibhav, and Steph as they chatted about all things environmental. From their businesses' sustainability efforts and environmental impact goals to their involvement in 1% for the Planet, and simple steps they think other businesses can take to make a meaningful difference, our panellists shared a lot of helpful insights throughout their discussions.
Vaibhav spoke about Elk’s goals and aspirations, and how these are constantly changing and evolving to align with newly emergent information. We thought this was a great point to make, as it drove home that not only is changing your goals as a company is ok, but that openness to reevaluation is often necessary to ensure that your actions and goals remain aligned.
Steph reiterated that thousands of companies giving as little as 1% ads up, coming together to make a big difference to a cause that impacts everyone.
As finger food, drinks, and questions flowed, so too did conversation about the impact that even small changes and contributions can have on us as businesses, and on the planet, too. One of our favourite takeaways from the evening was something that Mike spoke a lot about; the importance of just getting started.
Get Involved!
If you’re ready to stop just talking and start actually doing good, then join Optimising and thousands of other eco-conscious companies by becoming a member of 1% for Planet!
Niamh O'Higgins
Content Specialist
From Dublin to Melbourne, Niamh has taken her content journey international. After gaining her degree in Linguistics and dabbling in some other European languages, she decided English was where she could use her words best. Completing a Diploma in Marketing, Advertising, and E-Commerce, and adding a splash of Project Management on the side, Niamh dove into the world of content writing, and hasn’t looked back since.
When she isn’t in the Optimising office having coffee and a treat, she can often be found in South Yarra, having coffee and a treat. She’s also partial to some pilates, a gym class, or an evening stroll (if the Melbourne weather permits).
Optimising Hosts 1% for the Planet’s First Melbourne Meetup
Hear all about the first 1% for the Planet meetup in Melbourne, hosted by Optimising!
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We value purpose over profit and take action.
Our values and beliefs have always set the tone and approach to our business. It's not just enough to grow as a company and produce profits, we have a global responsibility to make our economy more inclusive and sustainable. As both a B Corp and a member of 1% for the planet, we have further cemented this purpose within our organisation.
However, our work isn't done quite yet. For Optimising, this is simple the start of our journey towards building a better business and world!
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