Most of us make small decisions everyday in pursuit of a lighter footprint, however the changing health climate over the past two years saw some of our efforts thwarted. For a while reusable coffee cups were no longer accepted. Some places required the use of a fresh, disposable mask even when we came equipped with our own. We even saw instances where commercial recycling became co-mingled for the sake of health and safety.
The irony is as we made these momentary compromises, the earth began regenerating in ways we hadn’t imagined possible. We saw clearer skies and lower air pollution levels globally. Wildlife was less disrupted by our road, air and maritime transport. Even the Venice canals were clear enough to see fish for the first time in decades.
What we mean to illustrate here is that no matter the damage that humankind inflicts on our fragile planet and its ecosystems, the earth will ultimately prevail. It is important to remember, however, that no matter the constraints imposed upon us, we should continue to do our small part each day for a more sustainable future and to help the earth in its regeneration.
As just one person it can sometimes feel as if our efforts are insignificant, though in reality we hold significant power through our actions, choices and consumptive behaviours. As the Dalai Lama remarked, 'If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.'
Last year we discovered that only 3% of total philanthropy goes to the environment which is why we chose to participate in the 1% for the Planet initiative. Through the initiative we donate 1% of all our gross revenue (not just profit) to highly-vetted, environmental non-profit organisations. This is our small way of contributing every day - even when it feels challenging to be sustainable in other ways.
Since joining 1% for the Planet, we have taken the time to review their affiliated organisations and have selected two Australian non-profits for our 2021 contribution: Bush Heritage and Greenfleet. Each Plyroom product is crafted from Forest Stewardship Council or PEFC certified wood, but it is also important to us to restore and conserve the vulnerable Australian landscape in addition to sourcing sustainable materials and reducing our daily impact on the environment through other consumption choices.
Bush Heritage, founded by Dr Bob Brown, has been protecting natural bushland since 1991. Today they protect over 11.3 million hectares of land and river systems across Australia in order to improve the health of plants, animals, water, soil and Aboriginal cultural values. Through 1% for the planet, Plyroom contributes to Bush Heritage’s initiatives which include landscape conservation, working with traditional land owners to build understanding and address knowledge gaps, as well as community education.
By also supporting Greenfleet, we have donated a ‘Milestone Forest’ which protects against climate change by restoring native biodiverse forests. Greenfleet works alongside the Dja Dja Wurrung people, the traditional owners of the land on which the Milestone Forest will be located, to see the creation of bio-links for native wildlife and direct and sustainable economic benefit for the indigenous community.
At Plyroom, we aim to weave sustainability at every level of the business, from our production and material choice to daily warehouse operations. Involvement with 1% for the Planet is just one of our ongoing initiatives to reduce our environmental impact. Sustainability is so important to us as a small business, just as we know it is for our community and customers.
We would like to extend our gratitude to all of our customers over 2021. By choosing Plyroom you too have contributed to the conservation of our precious land and river systems for a more sustainable future well beyond these turbulent times. Thank you.
