|
Walking the walk in the WineBar |
 |
 |
|
Monday, 01 September 2008 00:00 |
|
In December 2007 we started our drive (or walk), towards being more environmentally responsible and sustainable in the WineBar, and we named three new initiatives-replacing bottled still water with local tap water offered free of charge, serving organic fair trade coffee and using organic sugar.
We also commenced composting trials for our food scraps, and identified several other areas where we could improve existing practices-building on our responsible program for all cardboard, bottles and plastic packaging by reducing the amount of waste packaging coming on to the property; replacing all paper napkins with cloth napkins; introducing better laundry and cleaning practices, and last but not least to source local food whenever possible and thereby reduce our‘food miles’ and further support local producers.
So how are we going? The fresh tap water served in recycled Rose bottles is being well received, and the fair trade coffee is being Walking the walk in the WineBar enjoyed by all – we are now working on getting in a range of fair trade teas. Because our aim with food production is to produce as little waste as possible the amount of food scraps was too small to have any significant impact in our composting trials we are developing in the vineyard. But the scraps are being appreciated and ‘recycled’ by some very happy hens at the WineBar Manager’s residence which is on the property – and the eggs taste great!
Reducing the amount of packaging that comes on to the property has proved to be a slower process, and although we recycle all that we can, we would still like to meet our goal to reduce our entire packaging intake by 10% - we are on the way but not quite there yet.
No paper napkins are used at the WineBar, and many of our cleaning practices have changed-showing a marked reduction in the amount and type of cleaning products used while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
We have been working with local suppliers and now have approximately 25% of all produce coming from very local suppliers, and approximately 90% coming from within Victoria.
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed