Althought this business is no longer operating, this case study remains posted as it contains useful advice to others.

The business participated in the Quick Steps pilot programme, which gave them an opportunity to look at ways they could improve their efficiency with resources like water, energy and raw materials and reduce the associated costs.

Here are some of the things that Vinnies does to be more environmentally sustainable and reduce costs:

-        Cardboard is kept separate and collected by Southland Enterprises for recycling. This reduces skip costs and helps to support a not for profit organisation in the local community. 

-        Energy is conserved by ensuring that chillers and fridges are checked, regulated and maintained.

-        There is sky lighting in the restaurant that helps to make use of natural light during the daytime.

-        Energy efficient light bulbs are used in some areas, which helps to reduce electricity usage and the bulbs last longer than standard bulbs.

-        The front loading washing machine uses less water than top loading models

-        The management have considered ways to reduce waste at source, such as using more aluminium cans to reduce the problem of large glass volumes. Aluminium is much easier to recycle and more valuable to recyclers than glass.

Vinnies General Manager, Stephen Grieve, says that being efficient with your resources is not only positive for the environment, it also makes good business sense.

For information on the Quick Steps programme, contact Environment Southland, ph. 211 5272.

Thanks to WasteNet Southland and Southland Community Wastebusters Trust for providing this information.