Jenni Walke (First Nations business owner and thought leader) and Kylie Mowbray-Allen (that's me!) presented a 4 -part series; Business for good ~ sustainability in focus, covering everything from sustainability for people and the planet.
Part 1: Business for good ~ sustainability in focus
What is sustainable business?
Sustainability in business is all about making sure we can keep doing business for a long time without hurting the planet, people, or our ability to make money. It means using resources wisely, taking care of the environment, and being good to the people we work with.
In the first episode, Jenni and I talked about how having a sustainable business means balancing making money with taking care of people and the planet. We stressed that it's important to think about how your business affects everything around you.
We also covered cool ways to make supply chains more sustainable. This includes using local suppliers to cut down on the pollution caused by transportation. Jenni also talked about getting B Corp certification, which shows that a business is serious about being good for the world.
Watch the first episode here:
Part 2: Business for good ~ sustainability in focus
Inclusivity: Indigenous cultural awareness in business
On the second episode, Jenni and I discussed about understanding and respecting the cultures of the people you work with, and this means:
- Education: Learning about indigenous cultures and histories.
- Respect: Valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of indigenous communities.
Click here: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/employing/culturally-safe-workplaces for the Queensland government resource on creating culturally safe workplaces which Jenni contributed to, and listen in on her practical strategies that organisations can adopt to improve cultural awareness and sensitivity.
We also shared practical tips for small businesses to be allies and support Australian-indigenous- owned small businesses and communities, including:
- Acknowledging the traditional owners of the land.
- Providing equal opportunities and unpacking biases.
- Actively supporting and promoting Aboriginal lead businesses.
- Avoiding cultural appropriation and stereotypes
The second episode is here:
Part 3: Business for good ~ sustainability in focus
Making your business accessible to all
On the third episode, Jenni and I explained that making your business accessible isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also required by law. The Disability Discrimination Act of 1992 says so!
By making your business accessible, you can reach more customers and make your brand look good. We also talked about how accessibility helps with SEO. Google likes websites that are accessible, and platforms like Facebook and Instagram encourage features like alt text for images and captions for videos.
Making your business accessible means you follow the law, attract more customers, build better relationships, and become a leader in your industry. This episode shows that accessibility is essential for a successful and inclusive online presence.
Some links Kylie shared:
https://wave.webaim.org/
https://www.accessibility.org.au/guides/how-do-i-check-if-my-work-is-accessible/
https://idrc.ocadu.ca/
https://www.digital.nsw.gov.au/delivery/accessibility-and-inclusivity-toolkit/testing/accessibility-testing
https://accessibe.com/accessscan
https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/
Watch the full episode here:
Part 4: Business for good ~ Inclusion and sustainability in focus
In last episode of our Business For Good series, we discussed the importance of sustainability and inclusivity for businesses of all sizes. We also shared examples, from the eco-friendly practices at the Byron Writers Festival to the accessibility features at Brisbane events, demonstrating how small changes can make a big difference.
The key takeaway is that sustainability is not just about the environment - it's also about the longevity and flexibility of your business. By adopting paperless practices, supporting local suppliers, and catering to diverse needs, you can streamline your operations and better serve your customers and community.
The last episode can be viewed here:
SUMMARY:
We hope you enjoyed our 4 part series of the Business for good ~ sustainability in focus, and learned as much as we did! If you're ready to take your business to the next level of sustainability and inclusivity, reach out to Kylie (me!) and Jenni. We're here to help you navigate the journey towards a more ethical, efficient, and future-proof enterprise!
Hello Media - Connect with me on Facebook or Instagram!
Elephant in the room consulting - connect with Jenni here.
12 August 2024