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e-bulletin April 2008
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Spotted: Green Guinea Pigs in Mansfield!
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On a warm evening in March two members of the Grow Me The Money team attended a gathering of local businesses in Mansfield. Organised by Helen Hookey of Wombat Hills Cottages and supported by Grow Me The Money partners the Mansfield Shire Council it was the first meeting of a group of local businesses who have committed to reducing the resource usage of their businesses. A good variety of industries were represented including accommodation, healthcare, local media and tourism.
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It is intended that the group will work through the Grow Me The Money program, holding regular meetings to discuss their progress and share ideas and experiences, and that other local businesses will follow their example as their progress is reported in the local press.
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The coming together of these businesses and service providers and their enthusiasm to work together to create a more environmentally sustainable local economy is a great example to other local communities and a welcome development.
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Below is the article that appeared in the Mansfield Courier;
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'GREEN GUINEA PIGS
By STEVE KELLY
SOMETHING green is growing in the Mansfield Shire and it's not algae.
It's a group of environmentally conscious business operators who want to make a difference at a local level.
They're called the Green Guinea Pigs and you too can be a part of an initiative which will work towards making the shire a more sustainable environment.
Team leader Helen Hookey, with the help of Grow Me the Money, encourages businesses in the shire to reduce water, energy and waste and ultimately reduce their carbon emissions.
The interactive Grow Me the Money website gives members the tools through a step by step guide on how to set and achieve environmental goals, while giving businesses recognition for their efforts along the way.
Every business which registers on the website will automatically be awarded bronze recognition.
Obtaining silver accreditation (taking action for business sustainability) usually takes about 12 months to achieve.
There are also gold and platinum award levels which indicate "achieving business sustainability" and "business sustainability leader".
Organisations can set out an action plan and work towards becoming sustainable and save money at the same time.
Each member of the Green Guinea Pigs will be able to measure the effectiveness of their saving initiatives through indicators such as water and energy bills and waste output.
The group will meet bi-monthly to talk about progress and initiatives and look out for articles in The Courier which focus on the efforts of individual businesses.
For more information on the Green Guinea Pigs and Grow Me The Money call Sue Arndt on 57758575 or go to www.growmethemoney.com.au to register.'
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