Ann Niddrie

2 weeks ago today I was shooting at the official launch of Sensis' new book: Small Business, Big Opportunity: Sustainable Growth. The book launch was held at Doltone House's newest venue, Darling Island Wharf, Sydney. It was an appropriate location to launch such a book as the building is only the second building in Australia to have obtained certification as a six-star green-star building. With concrete made from recycled materials, a black water recycling system that will treat sewage on-site with potable water from black water recycling used for toilet flushing, Doltone House is a leader in sustainable construction. The six-star green-star rating represent best practices in sustainability. For more details on the green-credentials of Doltone House check out The Fifth Estate.

Back to the book. Sustainable Growth outlines ways that small to medium enterprises (SMEs) can create opportunities for their business, by introducing sustainable business practices into their workplace. As the owner of a small business (as well as photographing the event) I received my free copy of the book and have been finding it relatively easy to read. It has been written in a way that is very clear to understand. It also has a thorough glossary of business and sciency eco terms in the back, as well as how to move into sustainability with integrity, and not greenwashing your clients unintentionally. There are lots of links and resources for businesses to take advantage of and I am excited about implementing some of them and sharing the results as I go!

I think Sensis has done well, Jill Riseley, the Head of Sustainability for Sensis spoke about the many things Sensis are implementing in their business practice to not only save money and resources but also make a positive change for the future of the planet. I was impressed.

Jaye Radisich, CEO of Council of Small Business Australia (COSBOA), spoke of how SMEs can benefit from the book for various different reasons and congratulated Sensis on employing NSW Australian of the year 2010, Jon Dee to author the book.

Jon Dee was a pleasure to photograph, a down-to-earth and charismatic person who has been the co-founder of various groups, action days and organisations that I have admired or been involved in as volunteer without knowing who was the instigator. As well as founding National Tree Day with Olivia Newton-John he founded Planet Ark and as well as his recent organisation, Do Something which is running a number of campaigns to inspire regular people to take action, to do something in regards to environmental and social change in the world.

I know many people feel that the climate change issue is too big for them to make a difference, or that world hunger will never end, or that they will leave it to their kids to do because they are too old to make a difference, but having seen all of the initiatives that Jon Dee and his friends and colleagues have started and how many thousands of people around Australia have contributed to their community in a small way, the conglomeration of these fabulous volunteer actions has meant that over 15 million native trees have been planted around the country and whole towns are committing to ban the sale of bottled water, these are massive achievements. Needless to say, I am in awe of Jon Dee, reinvigorated to continue my involvement in community and eco-actions, and was stoked that he signed my book.