At Jarrett Indoor Plants Australia, we care about environmental sustainability. We are dedicated to practicing and promoting environmentally friendly approaches in all aspects of our business. Our core business is providing plants on hire and maintenance, to promote a healthier, greener, work environment! From rainwater collection to energy-efficient lighting and responsible transportation, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact. Below is a list of our current environmental sustainability practices and also, what we are working towards.
1. Rainwater Collection:
At our depot, we have implemented an efficient rainwater collection system. With a total collection area of 830 square meters, even a modest amount of rainfall, like 10mm, translates to an impressive 8,300 liters of water. This rainwater is harvested and stored in a purpose-built underground tank with a capacity of 25,000 liters. We utilize this collected water for watering our plants, eliminating the need for mains water usage. To minimize wastage, all water runoff from our watering activities is filtered and reused, ensuring that none is lost to ground absorption since the entire surface is covered with bituminous material.
2. Energy-Efficient Lighting:
To reduce our reliance on artificial lighting, we have incorporated skylights in our warehouse, allowing natural light to illuminate the space during the day. Moreover, all the lighting fixtures in our offices, meeting rooms, and warehouse are equipped with energy-efficient LED technology. This choice of lighting significantly reduces our energy consumption while maintaining excellent illumination.
3. Sustainable Transportation:
To minimize our carbon footprint, we have strategically located our business close to the CBD, enabling us to reduce travel distances when servicing plants. Additionally, we encourage staff members to share a single vehicle for separate rounds, further reducing our overall vehicle usage and emissions. We have even implemented a system where staff members can start their work directly from the CBD, eliminating the need for individual commuting. Our fleet consists of late-model vehicles with highly economical engines, ensuring efficient fuel consumption. As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainable transportation, we are actively planning to transition to electric vehicles in the future.
4. Efficient Plant Servicing:
To reduce service calls and associated emissions, we developed sub-irrigation systems sustaining plants for an optimal three weeks. This period allows efficient cleaning, watering, and maintenance, surpassing the previous two-week conventional timeframe. This means fewer service visits throughout the year, resulting in significant emission reductions. While we strive to transition to electric vehicles, we are closely monitoring the market as the availability of suitable models is currently limited, and we want to ensure optimal reliability and support for our business operations.
5. Paperless Operations:
We are committed to minimizing our paper usage. Our service schedules and documentation are entirely electronic, eliminating the need for printing. We have adopted a digital approach, significantly reducing paper waste and contributing to a more sustainable working environment.
6. Waste Reduction and Recycling:
At Jarrett Indoor Plants Australia, we are committed to promoting waste reduction and recycling initiatives. We prioritize sustainability by recycling our potting mix, reusing grow pots, repurpose ice cream containers as liners, and refurbishing planters whenever possible instead of constantly purchasing new ones. We ensure that any excess cardboard is sent for recycling, and we make a conscious effort to transport substantial quantities to recycling facilities rather than disposing of them as waste.
7. Organic Pest Control:
We prioritize the use of organic pest control methods in our operations. By employing natural and environmentally friendly alternatives, we minimize the use of harmful chemicals, promoting a healthy and sustainable ecosystem within our facilities.
8. Second Sale and Reuse:
We believe in giving our plants a second chance. In our monthly seconds’ sale, we offer ex-hire plants that are still in good condition, enabling customers to give them a new home and enjoy their beauty.
9. Transition to Solar Energy:
As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we are actively working on installing solar panels to generate clean and renewable energy. This transition will further reduce our reliance on conventional power sources and help us minimize our environmental impact.
By implementing these environmentally sustainable practices, we strive to contribute to a greener future while maintaining the high standards of service that our clients expect.