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Connections aims to reduce our impact on the environment. We have a keen interest in extending our caring role of people to include how we care for the environment. The Connections agency-wide interest in the environment comes from an appreciation that environmental degradation has a disproportionate impact on those most disadvantaged. Therefore, our commitment to the environment is an integral part of our commitment to social justice and our dedication to support marginalised and disadvantaged people.

‘Every footstep echoes across the world, each footprint we make leaves a lasting impression on creation, impacting most on all that is vulnerable and powerless.’
Rev Sue Barber, Agency Minister, Connections UnitingCare

The agency-wide commitment to the environment and our specific actions to reduce our impact on the environment includes:
• active staff involvement in an Environment Committee that develops educative advice and ideas to reduce our impact on the environment, tip sheets on good environmental practices, information and promotion of relevant issues, conducting a Staff Environment Survey to gather information about staff awareness of and interest in environmental issues,
• increasing the use of Toyota Prius Hybrid cars as part of our fleet, with plans to increase this number in future years - we currently have 7 Toyota Prius’ representing 8.24% of the agency fleet (the new Third Generation Toyota Prius has the lowest emissions of any car on the road: 89g/km),
• purchasing carbon offsets for the remaining fleet of cars. Connections has chosen Greenfleet as an Approved Abatement Provider under the Australian Government's Greenhouse Friendly™ initiative.  This means the methodology behind their offset program has undergone independent scrutiny and meets appropriate standards. Greenfleet offsets greenhouse gas emissions by planting forests that soak up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.  Greenfleet forests are made up of a wide variety of Australian native trees that also help to reduce soil erosion and salinity, improve water quality and provide habitat for native animals. The Connections contribution for 2009 is 859 trees, planted at Devil Bend Reservoir, Mt Martha, Victoria,
• choosing a carbon neutral ‘green’ printer for our publications. We have calculated savings (in kg’s) of damaging greenhouse (CO2) emissions compared to a non green printer. The printing uses vegetable based inks, no isopropyl alcohol and w orld’s best practice ISO 14001 Environmental and ISO 9001Quality Management Systems and uses Forest Stewardship Council approved recycled and sustainable forest fibre paper,
• using Australian made, Forest Stewardship Council approved 100% recycled paper for copy paper and all Connections-branded stationery items (letterhead, with compliments),
• other initiatives across the agency include encouraging recycling within work stations, purchasing environmentally friendly cleaning products, conducting energy audits and choosing energy efficient and lower waste machinery and office products as well as developing a Staff Recognition Award for staff that have made an outstanding contribution to the organisations approach to environmental issues.

Connections is also pleased to have had a long-lasting and developing relationship with Citywide.

Citywide is a diverse company shaping and maintaining high performance assets. Citywide delivers the full scope of open space, environmental and civil infrastructure services, supported with expert advice, to government and private enterprise. Citywide has a strong reputation for service innovation and quality of work. Connections has synergies with Citywide through collaborative engagement with disadvantaged and vulnerable people in productive and sustainable nature-based activities and skill development orientated projects.

Download a copy of our recycling signs aimed at increasing recycling (specifically within workplace settings). There are two signs aimed at dividing recyclable products — the first is paper, cardboard and second is glass, plastic, aluminium, steel.

 Connections Recycling Signs

The KeepCup is the world’s first barista standard reusable coffee cup, designed to replace disposable cups. We can now offer you a Connections branded KeepCup, so that you can care the environment and support the work of Connections in one simple purchase! Your purchase of a Connections KeepCup will support the work of Connections with marginalised and disadvantaged people across Melbourne. The KeepCup has been shortlisted for the Australian International Design Awards for 2010 are made in industry-standard sizes so integrate seamlessly into any café outlet and are manufactured in Melbourne from polypropylene #5 – the safest food grade plastic, BPA Free. Non toxic.

Download a copy of the sheet stating what’s so good about ordering a Connections KeepCup or download an order form to get your Connections KeepCup now...

 Connections KeepCup Description

 Connections KeepCup Order Form

Find out more about the organisations we are working with to reduce our impact on the environment (click on their logo).