Whenever we seldom use motorised transport, we consciously offset our environmental footprint through EKOS.
We actively sustain and improve our places of work through restoration projects, leaving positive traces on this world.
We do something each time for the environment and the community, making every SNM outing bigger than ourselves and the activity.
Caring for land, sea and nature, treading lightly and leaving no trace. Travelling safely, showing care and consideration for all. Respecting culture and travelling with an open heart and mind.
• Drive carefully
• Be prepared
• Show respect
• Protect nature
• Keep NZ Clean
• Kaitiakitanga: managing and conserving environments as part of a reciprocal relationship.
• Wairuatanga: the immutable spiritual connection between people and their environments
• Manaakitanga: inspires the way that travellers are made to feel welcome when visiting New Zealand, by providing unique cultural experiences through our hospitality.
Caring for land, sea and nature, treading lightly and leaving no trace. Travelling safely, showing care and consideration for all. Respecting culture and travelling with an open heart and mind.
In 2019, SNM signed up to the New Zealand Sustainability Commitment. We have a dedicated team that are constantly reviewing and implementing practices that consider the 8 industry-level sustainability Goals and 14 Commitments within the agreement.
Our tourism strongly contributes to protecting, restoring and enhancing New Zealand’s natural environment and biodiversity through:
• Restoring nature
We contribute to protecting and enhancing Aotearoa New Zealand’s environment, including water, biodiversity, landscapes and clean air.
• Carbon reducation
We act urgently to contribute to Aotearoa New Zealand’s transition to a net zero carbon economy.
• Eliminating waste
We take responsibility for the entire life cycle of products and services we use and ultimately eliminate the waste associated with these.
How and why minimising environmental impacts will sustain natural and cultural heritage areas. Our staff are LNT trained or trainers themselves.
THE SEVEN PRINCIPLES:
1) Plan ahead and prepare
2) Travel and camp on durable surfaces
3) Dispose of waste properly
4) Leave what you find
5) Minimise the effects of fire
6) Respect wildlife and farm animals
7) Be considerate of others
When we have spare time, our staff like to clean up their offices (the natural spaces we work while outdoors) and join conservation and restoration groups to ensure we keep operating and that everyone gets to enjoy it now and in the future.
SNM gets involved with Tiaki Tāmaki Makaurau – Conservation Auckland.
SNM works with DoC community conservation groups in Auckland.
We encourage our staff to walk, bike, kayak etc. (human-powered movement) to and from work, if they do we pay them a nominal amount per km.
Not only do we buy the best gear in the world, but also the best gear for the world.
PLASTIC OFFSET PROGRAM:
For every Starboard board purchased, 1.1 kg of ocean / beach plastic trash is collected.
CARBON NET POSITIVE:
For every Starboard board produced, one mangrove tree is planted; capable of absorbing 1,000 kg of CO2 per year. We have 24 boards thus absorbing 24 tonnes of CO2 per year.
NEW ZEALAND BRANDS:
Supporting local, our staff clothing is from Ice Breaker and Macpac. You won’t see us wearing cotton; we wear wool and wooden pulp fibers!
However, our Glamping tents are made with sustainable, renewable and biodegradable cotton; the low-impact material of choice for premium canvas tents.
Our sea kayaks are made in Palmerston North. Our Buoyancy Aides are made in Rotorua. Our Packrafts are made in Karamea.
With customers and clients actively searching for businesses using eco-friendly practices, going green at the workplace has moved from being ‘nice to have’ to a ‘must have.’
SNM is a community, an enterprise and a movement enabling system changes in the areas of social work, environment and physical activity.
Going green at work is all about making conscious and sustainable choices that help reduce the impact workplaces and teams have upon the environment. Doing so can provide many positive benefits including saving money, reducing waste, attracting new customers or clients, enhanced brand image, reduced energy usage and providing a healthier workplace environment.
Do these things and more and you might find yourself connecting with the Sustainable Business Network
01
Reusable cups, plates and cutlery
We make the choice to only use reusable plates, mugs and cutlery at work instead of disposable options.
02
Print double-sided
If printing is required of documents, we print on both sides of the paper to reduce paper usage.
03
Energy-saving devices
When purchasing new devices, including lightbulbs, we pick the most energy-efficient options.
04
Work from home
When there is an opportunity for staff to work from home, reducing emissions getting to work, we do so.
05
Recycle used devices, appliances and furniture
Instead of disposing of used office gear, we sell or donate it instead.
06
Natural cleaning products
We use natural or toxin-free cleaning products.
07
Add lots of plants
As well as producing a more pleasant environment to work in, our plants help improve the air quality within our workspace too.
08
Unplug appliances
When not in use and there is no need to keep it on, we unplug an appliance.
09
Send digital letters and newsletters
Instead of printing letters or newsletters out and then sending by post, we send them by email instead.
10
Choose light coloured decor
When repainting or changing workplace decor, we choose light coloured options that reflect light and reduce the need for overhead lighting.
11
Buy recycled office supplies
Many office products are made from recycled products, including paper and plastic products. We choose ones which are made from recycled materials and then when used, we recycle them again.
12
Use refillable products
Items such as pens and cloth hand towels are refilled and reused.
13
Email receipts
Instead of printing the customer a receipt, we email it to them instead.
14
Reuse packaging materials
We keep and then reuse packaging materials when sending out products to customers or between workplaces.
15
Buy in bulk
Not only does this reduce the number of packages being sent, but we save ourselves and your money when purchasing bulk products.
The New Zealand Association for Environmental Education (NZAEE) aims to represent a vibrant and connected sector to ensure that environmental education for sustainability is part of every New Zealander’s experience in order to build relationships between people and their environment.
Leave No Trace New Zealand seeks to educate and challenge the New Zealand public and visitors on how and why to minimise their environmental impacts while enjoying natural and cultural heritage areas.
