Sustainability is not just about large-scale initiatives — it’s also about the small, everyday changes that shift mindsets and build better habits. Over the past year, our team has made meaningful progress in reducing waste, sparked by education, personal commitment, and a culture of accountability.

One key initiative was our Lunch ‘n Learn session on New Zealand’s recycling standards. While attendance was voluntary, the discussion was incredibly valuable. Employees engaged with thoughtful questions, and the session helped clear up confusion around what could and couldn’t be recycled. One team member who was initially skeptical about soft plastic recycling left the session inspired and now actively recycles her soft plastics.

Another successful change was the introduction of our Deane reusable coffee cups, which have quickly become a workplace staple. While single-use cups haven’t disappeared entirely, there’s been a significant cultural shift—bringing one into the office is now seen as bad form. The ripple effect has extended beyond the office, influencing off-site events like Deane’s meetings, where single-use cups are now actively discouraged. This shift has also been deeply personal for many. One team member committed to never having a coffee in a disposable cup, which meant rethinking habits at weekend football games, airport stops, and even family holidays.

These changes, while small, demonstrate how education, and awareness, has helped support our goals. Every step, whether through individual or collective action, brings us closer to our goal of reducing materials to landfill by 75% by 2028.