One business takes 'steps' to reduce its carbon footprint
Armadale Cellars, Independent Fine Wine Retailer, is taking steps to help
reduce their (and in turn the wine industry's) carbon footprint.
Beginning on the 29 March, a date chosen to coincide with Earth Hour to
reflect the significance of their actions, staff will commit to 30 days
without their cars to travel to and from work, an effort they hope, will
encourage others to consider similar steps.
There is no question that the wine industry has a massive carbon
footprint. Production of the wines themselves aside, bottle weight and
travel miles quickly add up to a substantial carbon output. As a fine wine
retailer selling imported and national wines, Armadale Cellars staff
recognized they are part of the problem and began throwing around the
question of what they could personally do to make a difference.
"We feel that it's our duty to try and offset some of the damage created
by our business and the industry in general," Armadale Cellars marketing
manager, Ann Marie Johnston said.
"The idea came to us when we were talking about the impact the wine
industry has on the environment. We stock a large number of imported wines
- and we fly wines in from all across the country - and this adds to
Armadale Cellar's carbon footprint. Aside from planting trees, we
considered what we could do to make a difference and the solution we came
up with was to ride our bikes or walk into work, rather than driving. Not
only will this help to offset the impact of our business, but it makes us
all healthier as well - another not so bad thing in this industry!"
Armadale Cellar's staff have agreed to restrict use of their cars for 30
days. During this time, any travel to and from work will be accomplished
with leg power, or, if need be, public transport.
The team plan to officially start their month off driving their cars on 29
March, coinciding with 'Earth Hour', which was deemed a proper send off. It
has been agreed that, aside from owner Phil Hude driving the van to work,
(which is required for metro area deliveries) that none of the eight staff
will arrive to work via any method other than foot, bike or public
transport. The morning of the 29, staff will leave their cars at home and
not bring them back to work until after 28 April.
"We realize that, in the whole scheme of things, this is just a small step
but if we can inspire some of our customers, or others in the industry, to
consider their personal impact - perhaps commit themselves to a similar
idea, then slowly we can make a real difference," Johnston said.