Our Sustainability Plan Posted on June 4, 2021 At RSPCA NSW, we are committed to ensuring that we are improving our environmental sustainability. Over the last year, we’ve made steps towards sustainability such as switching towards hybrid vehicles, battery recycling and using recyclable poo bags. But we want our move towards sustainability not only in the short term but in the long run. That’s why this Earth Day, we’re proud to announce our Environmental Sustainability Strategic Plan to make sure that we’re doing better by our Earth. By committing to protecting our environment, we’re making sure all our animals whether they are two-footed, four-footed, furry, feathered or finned have a safer future ahead. That’s why at RSPCA NSW, we are focusing on four key pillars: Our Carbon Footprint Our carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by our organisation. To eventually reduce our carbon footprint down to zero, we’re launching a range of initiatives that are much more environmentally friendly: Planting more trees. Planting more trees allows for clearer air to breathe and provides natural habitats to wildlife! Using renewable energy such as investing in solar panels Offering our employees biking options to cut down on emissions from driving Our Water Management Water management is great for the environment because by saving water we’re reducing the environmental impact of processing water. To cut down on our water usage we’re: Using greywater recycling to avoid polluting local water bodies Installing rainwater storage to cut down on our dependence on water supplies Planting 100% native and drought-tolerant plant species around our office which require little to no amounts of water Our Waste Management The production of waste by humans is one of the most significant sources of environmental contamination. As a result, reducing waste production will reduce pollution, resulting in a more sustainable environment for future generations. To produce less waste we’re: Using a trash collection process across all RSPCA NSW locations to recycle more effectively Focusing on composting food and other organics such as kitty litter, newspaper and straw Collaborating with businesses to decrease our use of plastics and non-reusable packaging Reducing our use of plastics In the oceans, there is a significant amount of plastic waste. In fact, by 2050 it is estimated that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish! That’s why cutting down on plastics and non-biodegradable/non-recyclable materials is so critical for the environment. We’re doing this by: Cut down on our purchasing of all non-biodegradable and non-recyclable promotional materials such as balloons and packaging Ensure that no superfluous plastic is included in RSPCA NSW goods and services (e.g., plastic bags in clinics, plastic wrapping in adoption packs). Switching to ‘green’ choices for all things purchased Sustainability at RSPCA NSW’s is just another way we’re working to improve our community’s environmental health and the quality of life for the animals we care for. We hope you can support this journey by making sustainable choices in your everyday life and caring for our environment.Â
