7 September 2018

How businesses can act smart and save money

| Wendy Johnson
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ActSmart Sustainability Expo.

Add more value to your business with a few handy eco-friendly tips from experts at the ActSmart Business Sustainability Expo.

Recycle. Tick. Turn lights off. Tick. Print double-sided. Tick.

These simple actions save time, money and energy. But how else can businesses add to their bottom line?

Ros Malouf says spending even one hour at next week’s Actsmart Business Sustainability Expo will show businesses new ways to reduce costs and their negative impact on the environment.

Ros is Senior Manager of the ACT Government’s Sustainability Programs. She says the experts and 37 exhibitors at the Expo will share no cost and low-cost ideas that will produce positive results, some starting immediately.

“Businesses across all industries are amazed at the breadth of ideas and sure, some take greater investment to implement,” says Ros, “But the latest technologies in waste, water and energy can really get businesses going.”

Now in its ninth year, the free Actsmart Business Sustainability Expo includes workshops and presentations on hot topics like smart solar storage, with the ACT a world leader in renewable energy.

“Businesses and homeowners can get involved in one of the largest rollouts of batteries in the world and pick up tips on smart financing options at the Expo,” says Ros. “They can also learn about simple waste and recycling methods which help the environment by re-directing waste towards recovery. Some businesses are doing this well and saving more than 80 per cent of their waste from landfill. Others aren’t involved at all.”

Exhibitors will share other ways to save money, including some that businesses may not naturally consider.

Installing a worm farm at work is an effective way to reduce staff food waste by as much as 60 per cent. Contrary to what many believe, worm farms are compact, odour free, toxin-free and low maintenance. A company like Global Worming, who will be at the Expo, can even look after your organic waste.

Using a company like Geodrones Australia helps businesses assess equipment and infrastructure from on high with a drone, determining repair or replacement needs. Their drones, carrying an onboard thermal camera, replace the need to absorb the costs of having maintenance personnel conduct manual and sometimes dangerous work—they can save businesses operating in renewable energy and other sectors, thousands.

Businesses renovating can talk to Laros Technologies about sustainable materials and building methods that will perform well and save money. Solar power experts will be at the Expo as well as leaders in innovating lighting solutions, hot water systems and energy efficient windows. Businesses can even save by using a secure company that specialises in shredding confidential documents.

It’s not all serious business at the Actsmart Business Sustainability Expo. FASHFEST hits the stage with Salvos and local designer Bronwynne Jones, of the label Thunder Thighs, to present eco-chic fashion made from recycled, reused and reimagined garments.

Faye De Lanty, decked out in pieces she uncovered at Salvos.

Faye De Lanty, decked out in pieces she uncovered at Salvos.

Bronwynne Jones of Thunder Thighs.

Bronwynne Jones of Thunder Thighs.

A bustle created by Thunder Thighs out of pre-loved men's silk ties and other recycled material. Photo taken at the National Gallery of Australia.

A bustle created by Thunder Thighs out of pre-loved men’s silk ties and other recycled material. Photo taken at the National Gallery of Australia.

Infinitie by Bronwyne Jones. Two silk ties discovered, reimagined, deconstructed and reconstructed into a modern take on an Elizabethan ruffle.

Infinitie by Bronwynne Jones. Two silk ties discovered, reimagined, deconstructed and reconstructed into a modern take on an Elizabethan ruffle.

In the Expo’s annual celebrity cook-off, hosted by OzHarvest, Darren Perryman from Pialligo Estate will compete against David Young from Temporada to see which chef can create the most amazing dish with food rescued from going to landfill.

Darren Perryman, from Pialligo Estate, returns for the annual celebrity cook-off.

Darren Perryman, from Pialligo Estate, returns for the annual celebrity cook-off.

The Actsmart Business Sustainability Expo will be held on Thursday 13 September, 2018, 10 am – 5 pm at Woden Southern Cross Club.

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