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In this bonus season-ending episode, Lilah McDonald interviews Steve Bonnici, the visionary behind Urgent Couriers, New Zealand's first carbon-neutral courier company. They dive into Steve’s journey from being a courier in the 1980s to building an innovative business committed to environmental responsibility.
Key Takeaways:
Steve shares his backstory, growing up on the West Coast and starting Urgent Couriers at 25. His early work as a courier inspired him to create a company focused on exceptional service. Steve speaks to the challenges of transitioning from being part of a team to leading one, and how he initially trained his drivers to sell services door-to-door. How Steve's MBA project in the late 1990s catalysed Urgent Couriers’ commitment to sustainability. The steps to becoming carbon-neutral, including measuring emissions, creating reduction plans, and working with Toitū Envirocare. Initiatives such as replacing cars with e-bikes for central city deliveries and driver training for fuel efficiency. The limitations of current electric vehicle technology for courier needs, and the efforts to swap to lower-emission vehicles as viable options emerge. Why Urgent Couriers’ sustainability efforts attract eco-conscious customers. Steve’s advice to businesses wanting to reduce their carbon footprint: “It’s not as hard as you think and often makes good business sense.”-
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. That way more people can find us and learn about Sustainability!
A special thanks to sponsors of this podcast, OfficeMax, whose vision it is to empower sustainable and successful workplaces. Learn more about how they can help your business at www.officemax.co.nz
Get in touch:
Website - nzbusiness.co.nz/podcasts
Instagram - @sustainablyeverafterpodcastFind out more about Urgent Couriers:
Website - urgent.co.nz
Facebook - @urgentcouriers
Instagram - @urgentcouriers
LinkedIn - Urgent Couriers Limited -
In this episode of Sustainably Ever After, host Lilah McDonald sits down with mother-daughter duo Nicole and Macie Stewart, who are making waves in the world of secondhand treasures and community-driven hospitality.
Nicole, co-founder of Junk and Disorderly, shares her lifelong passion for secondhand goods and recounts the journey of building one of Auckland’s most beloved vintage and flea markets. From sourcing unique treasures to navigating trends like “fast furniture,” Nicole discusses how her business has stayed true to its roots while fostering sustainable consumer habits.
Meanwhile, Macie, founder of Kinship, reveals how growing up surrounded by entrepreneurial spirit and secondhand treasures inspired her to create a community-centric coffee haven. From serving excellent coffee to collaborating with sustainable suppliers like Ozone Coffee and Otis Oat Milk, Kinship embodies the values of human connection and mindful business practices.
Together, Nicole and Macie reflect on the importance of passion, adaptability, and staying true to your values. Whether it’s creating a circular economy, championing sustainability, or building strong communities, their shared journey is an inspiring blueprint for future social entrepreneurs.
Key Takeaways:
The growth of secondhand markets and their role in sustainability. How Nicole and Macie built businesses rooted in passion, community, and circular economy principles. Insights into entrepreneurship, sustainability in retail and hospitality, and the value of adaptability.-
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. That way more people can find us and learn about Sustainability!
A special thanks to sponsors of this podcast, OfficeMax, whose vision it is to empower sustainable and successful workplaces. Learn more about how they can help your business at www.officemax.co.nz
Get in touch:
Website - nzbusiness.co.nz/podcasts
Instagram - @sustainablyeverafterpodcastFind out more about Junk and Disorderly
Website - junkndisorderly.co.nz
Facebook - @JunkandDisorderlyNZ
Instagram - @junkndisorderlynzFind out more about Kinship
Instagram - @kinshipcoffeenz
Facebook - @kinshipcoffeenz -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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In this episode of Sustainably Ever After, Lilah speaks with Louise Nash, Founder of Circularity, a consultancy helping businesses transition to the circular economy. From her childhood among market gardens in Onehunga to her "aha moment" during the plastic crisis, Louise shares her personal and professional journey toward circular innovation.
Louise explains the concept of the circular economy - a system that designs out waste, keeps resources in flow, and restores nature. She dives into:
Practical advice for businesses looking to become circular. Case studies like Profile Group, where Circularity helped redesign packaging to cut waste and save costs. The importance of refusing single-use products and embracing innovative solutions.Louise also touches on exciting developments, like seaweed-based packaging, and the potential for digital technologies to accelerate circular solutions. Her story is a powerful call to action for businesses to embrace circularity, not just as a sustainable choice, but as a driver of efficiency and cost savings.
Key Takeaways:
Start small: Map out your processes, identify waste streams, and ask what can be reused or redesigned. Invest in education: Understanding the circular economy unlocks opportunities for innovation. Think system-wide: From supply chains to product design, circularity requires a holistic approach.-
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. That way more people can find us and learn about Sustainability!
A special thanks to sponsors of this podcast, OfficeMax, whose vision it is to empower sustainable and successful workplaces. Learn more about how they can help your business at www.officemax.co.nz
Get in touch:
Website - nzbusiness.co.nz/podcasts
Instagram - @sustainablyeverafterpodcastFind out more about Circularity:
Website - circularity.co.nz
Instagram - @circular.ity
LinkedIn - @nashlouise -
In this insightful episode of Sustainably Ever After host Lilah McDonald interviews Kevin Obern, Managing Director of OfficeMax. Kevin shares his journey, from his early career in sales to leading sustainability initiatives at OfficeMax, a company at the forefront of New Zealand's sustainability efforts in the workplace solutions industry.
The discussion highlights OfficeMax's commitment to environmental and social responsibility, detailing how they’ve reduced their carbon footprint, implemented innovative packaging solutions, and worked with suppliers to prioritize sustainable practices. Kevin also offers practical advice for small businesses looking to begin their sustainability journeys.
Key Takeaways:
Kevin’s professional journey: How he transitioned from studying medicine to leading sustainability at OfficeMax. Kevin explains how he developed his career in sales and entrepreneurship, returning to OfficeMax as Managing Director. OfficeMax’s sustainability milestones: The company achieved a 58 percent reduction in their carbon footprint by 2023, surpassing their 2025 goal. Transitioned to electric forklifts and hybrid vehicles, cutting emissions by 25 percent. Introduced recyclable paper wrappers and box-making machines to minimise waste and plastic use. Supplier collaboration: OfficeMax launched a Responsible Supplier Code to evaluate and improve supplier sustainability. Demands sustainable practices from all partners, even pausing relationships with non-compliant suppliers. Advice for small businesses: Start small, focus on reducing usage, reusing materials, and buying from sustainable sources. Opt for quality over cheap products to reduce landfill waste. Engage with suppliers and customers to prioritise sustainability. The future of OfficeMax: Continuing incremental improvements in sustainability amidst diminishing returns. Exploring advancements like hydrogen vehicles and expanded solar power. Encouraging internal and external education on sustainable practices.-
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. That way more people can find us and learn about Sustainability!
A special thanks to sponsors of this podcast, OfficeMax, whose vision it is to empower sustainable and successful workplaces. Learn more about how they can help your business at www.officemax.co.nz
Get in touch:
Website - nzbusiness.co.nz/podcasts
Instagram - @sustainablyeverafterpodcastFind out more about OfficeMax:
Website - www.officemax.co.nz
Facebook - @OfficeMaxNZ
LinkedIn - @OfficeMaxNewZealand -
In this episode of Sustainably Ever After, Lilah McDonald interviews Garth Ellingham, Founder of LUCKE, a sustainable apparel company redefining workwear with low-impact materials and thoughtful design. Garth shares his inspiring journey from professional sailing to creating clothing that embodies environmental empathy and innovation. Dive into the challenges, innovations, and impactful practices shaping the sustainable apparel industry.
Garth recounts how his love for the ocean inspired him to address environmental challenges through sustainable clothing. LUCKE focuses on creating durable, low-impact apparel while navigating the complexities of fabric innovation and production. Through partnerships, such as with One Tree Planted, and programmes like clothing take-backs, LUCKE not only produces eco-conscious garments but also fosters a culture of responsibility among clients. Garth’s insights underscore the importance of empathy, transparency, and collaboration in driving meaningful environmental change.
Key Takeaways:
Journey to sustainability: Garth’s transition from sailing to sustainable clothing was driven by a desire to create meaningful change, leveraging his background in environmental engineering. Innovative materials: LUCKE uses eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton and recycled polyester, and even blends incorporating used coffee grounds for odor reduction and reduced washing. Combating greenwashing: Transparency and education are core to LUCKE’s approach, ensuring customers understand the benefits and limitations of sustainable materials. Holistic sustainability: From fabric selection to packaging, LUCKE considers every aspect of its operations, striving to minimize environmental impact at all stages. Empowering change: Garth emphasises starting small, whether through thoughtful purchasing or waste management, and believes in the ripple effect of collective action.-
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. That way more people can find us and learn about Sustainability!
A special thanks to sponsors of this podcast, OfficeMax, whose vision it is to empower sustainable and successful workplaces. Learn more about how they can help your business at www.officemax.co.nz
Get in touch:
Website - nzbusiness.co.nz/podcasts
Instagram - @sustainablyeverafterpodcast
Find out more about LUCKE:
Website - www.luckeapparel.com
Facebook - @LUCKEgear
Instagram - @luckeapparel -
In this episode of Sustainably Ever After, Lilah is joined by Jeff Vollebregt, Founder and Director of ImpacTex, a local company leading the way in textile recycling. Jeff shares how his company is tackling the ever-growing issue of textile waste by diverting unwanted uniforms and old clothing from landfill and turning them into valuable products, all while reducing environmental harm.
Jeff explains how ImpacTex treats waste as a resource, believing that sustainability leads to better outcomes for everyone but especially for future generations. Jeff’s passion for sustainable practices has allowed him to extend ImpacTex beyond environmental stewardship to making a meaningful social impact by improving social outcomes for local communities and educating others on sustainable business practices.
Key Takeaways:
Textile Waste in New Zealand: Did you know that Kiwis throw out 220,000 tonnes of textiles each year? ImpacTex is addressing this issue head-on, having divertedover 300 tonnes of textile waste from landfills in just over two years. Jeff explains how textile waste, especially non-biodegradable materials like polyester and polycottons, contribute to greenhouse gases when they break down in landfills. Recycling these textiles not only prevents emissions but also reduces the need for new manufacturing, helping to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the production of new materials. ImpacTex doesn’t just recycle textiles, they up-cycle them into useful products such as acoustic panels, coasters, and road signs. These items are durable, sustainable, and can be reprocessed back into new products, closing the loop on waste. Jeff highlights how the company is constantly looking for ways to expand its impact, including developing new solutions for recycling challenging materials like PVC and nitrile gloves. Jeff also discusses how businesses can reduce textile waste by choosing recyclable materials and making smarter purchasing decisions.
Whether you’e a business looking to reduce your environmental footprint or a consumer interested in making more sustainable choices, this episode is packed with insights on how we can all contribute to a circular economy and reduce textile waste.-
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. That way more people can find us and learn about Sustainability!
A special thanks to sponsors of this podcast, OfficeMax, whose vision it is to empower sustainable and successful workplaces. Learn more about how they can help your business at www.officemax.co.nz
Get in touch:
Website - nzbusiness.co.nz/podcasts
Instagram - @sustainablyeverafterpodcast
Find out more about ImpacTex:
Website - impactex.nz
LinkedIn - @impactexNZ
Instagram - @impactex.nz -
In this episode of Sustainably Ever After, Lilah sits down with Dave Rouse, the Founder of CarbonClick, a business focused on helping individuals and businesses offset their carbon emissions. Dave is a social entrepreneur and sustainability advocate with a background in engineering and aviation. He founded CarbonClick to empower individuals and businesses to take meaningful action against climate change through transparent carbon offsetting solutions.
Dave shares his journey into entrepreneurship, and reflects on his experiences with various businesses, always integrating sustainability into their core values. He explains the mechanics of CarbonClick's platform, detailing how it integrates with booking systems to offer real-time carbon offset options and maintain transparency in how funds are used. Dave also shares with Lilah how his experiences at international conferences, such as previous editions of COP, have shaped his understanding of sustainability challenges and successes in various contexts.
Key Takeaways:
Dave shares his upbringing in the bush and how his close connection to nature shaped his values around sustainability and environmental responsibility. From studying medicine to engineering and flying, Dave discusses his diverse educational background and how it led him to entrepreneurship. Learn about the inspiration behind CarbonClick, its mission, and how it provides a transparent way for consumers and businesses to offset their carbon emissions during transactions, particularly in the airline industry. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting nature-based solutions, including indigenous reforestation projects that help absorb carbon and enhance biodiversity. Dave offers advice for businesses on a sustainability journey, emphasising the need for businesses to balance environmental goals with financial sustainability, arguing that overextending efforts can be counterproductive.-
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. That way more people can find us and learn about Sustainability!
A special thanks to sponsors of this podcast, OfficeMax, whose vision it is to empower sustainable and successful workplaces. Learn more about how they can help your business at www.officemax.co.nz.Get in touch:
Website - nzbusiness.co.nz/podcasts
Instagram - @sustainablyeverafterpodcast
Find out more about CarbonClick:
Website - carbonclick.com
Instagram - @carbon.click
X - @carbonclick -
In this episode of Sustainably Ever After, Lilah speaks with Hayley Fraser-Mackenzie, the owner of Pacific Harvest, a New Zealand-based company specialising in edible seaweed. Hayley shares her business journey from her roots in Zimbabwe to her passion for sustainable food systems, the incredible benefits of incorporating seaweed into our diets, and how it can help reduce your carbon footprint.
Hayley discuss the importance of sourcing seaweed from reputable companies, ensuring that it’s contaminant-free and harvested sustainably. The conversation also covers Pacific Harvest's B Corp certification, which reflects their commitment to ethical practices, community welfare, and environmental responsibility. Hayley speaks to the potential of seaweed to contribute to a healthier planet and the need for more collaboration and research in the industry. She also shares Pacific Harvest’s ongoing efforts to improve packaging sustainability and the future potential for seaweed farming in New Zealand.
Key Takeaways:
Hayley’s business journey from working in children’s entertainment at Disney to pursuing a passion for sustainability and the discovery of seaweed as a sustainable food source Discover the benefits of seaweed, its nutritional advantages, its role in enhancing flavour (umami), and versatility in cooking Seaweed's ecological benefits, including carbon sequestration and nutrient absorption. Hayley also shares the potential of seaweed in various industries, including agriculture and health Pacific Harvest’s B Corp certification and its significance for the business Innovations in sustainable packaging and reducing plastic waste-
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. That way more people can find us and learn about Sustainability!
A special thanks to sponsors of this podcast, OfficeMax, whose vision it is to empower sustainable and successful workplaces. Learn more about how they can help your business at www.officemax.co.nz
Get in touch:
Website - nzbusiness.co.nz/podcasts
Instagram - @sustainablyeverafterpodcast
Find out more about Pacific Harvest:
Website - pacificharvest.co
Instagram - @pacific_harvest
Facebook - @pacificharvest -
Welcome to the first episode of Sustainably Ever After! In this episode I sit down with Gaelle Thieme, the visionary Founder of Dust & Glow, a local pioneering beauty brand dedicated to sustainability through its waterless products.
Gaelle shares her inspiring journey of creating waterless beauty products that challenge the norms of the industry. From formulating her first product in her kitchen to overcoming marketing challenges, Gaelle discusses the importance of sustainability, minimalism in skincare, and the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship. She also highlights her commitment to eco-friendly practices, and stresses the need for businesses and consumers to make more responsible choices for the planet's future.
Key Takeaways:
Learn how Dust & Glow reduces waste through waterless formulas and eco-friendly packaging, and how businesses can rethink their production processes for sustainability Discover Gaelle’s minimalist approach to beauty, focusing on fewer, high-quality ingredients for an effective skincare routine Gain insights into the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship, and Gaelle’s advice on persistence, building a supportive network, and trusting your instincts Understand the role consumers play in reducing beauty industry waste and why education around recycling is critical Hear Gaelle’s thoughts on the future of beauty, including retail expansion and refillable options that promote sustainable choices-
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. That way more people can find us and learn about Sustainability!
A special thanks to sponsors of this podcast, OfficeMax, whose vision it is to empower sustainable and successful workplaces. Learn more about how they can help your business at www.officemax.co.nz
Get in touch:
Website - nzbusiness.co.nz/podcasts
Instagram - @sustainablyeverafterpodcast
Find out more about Dust & Glow:
Website - dustandglow.com
Instagram - @dustglow_waterlessbeauty
Facebook - @dustglowbeautyUse discount code NZBUSINESS for 20% off the full Dust & Glow range.
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Hi I'm Lilah, host of NZBusiness magazine’s podcast 'Sustainably Ever After', proudly brought to you by OfficeMax. I am a teenage entrepreneur and have been on this journey since I was 10 when I started my social enterprise 'Water Us'. I am passionate about protecting our world and making a difference, and now I am excited to be sharing that passion with all of you through this podcast.
On the podcast I'll be exploring the incredible world of sustainability and entrepreneurship. I interview guests who are making waves in the world of sustainability; those who have built businesses with a purpose, those striving to make their established companies greener, and those leading the charge for social and environmental change.
Let's get strated!
