Greener way to run business
A Waikato restaurant is hoping other businesses will follow its lead in ‘‘Going Green Together’’.
That’s the name of the project Cambridge’s Onyx committed to at the beginning of the year to embed sustainability into its business culture.
It meant making changes such as switching to recyclable, bio degradable and compostable packaging.
It involved making more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible decisions, such as reducing the amount of waste the business generates.
The team is documenting its journey on Facebook to inspire others to make similar changes.
Onyx manager Aroha Croft said the project had been an education. It had involved breaking down common stereotypes that often surround sustainability.
‘‘We are installing 40 solar panels on our roof, so we receive our power from a sustainable and renewable source. We hope long term it may encourage other businesses in town to join us.’’
Croft said the project had prompted some staff to rethink the way they live.
‘‘We have been incredibly fortunate to have advice given to us from others around town, such as Phil and Alana MacKay from Rouge [cafe],’’ she said.
‘‘And changing practices at work has flowed into how some of us live at home.’’
Onyx owners Terry McDonnell and Joanne Ostler bought the business in June.
As regular customers, they were always impressed with the food, service and ambience at Onyx and knew the previous owner had built a successful business.
McDonnell said having knowledgeable and motivated staff is the key to success, and they have been fortunate to retain loyal staff passionate about Onyx and its customers.
‘‘We have kept to the winning Onyx recipe while making gradual changes over the past nine months, such as the Going Green initiative. We are also keen to refresh our menus on a regular basis, and have a new update coming soon.’’