Tell us how your local business is a climate change-maker

We want to share stories and steps that your business takes on climate action and sustainability in your workplace.

Whether you’re embracing renewable energy, saving waste from going to landfill, using environmentally friendly products and materials, or developing ‘green’ policies, we’d love to celebrate your efforts with our community, whether big or small.

In June, we will blitz print, radio and socials with your stories so we can be inspired and all learn from each other.

Be a part of this work by telling us how your local business is a climate change-maker and go into the draw to win a $200 voucher from a local nursery.

Submissions close Friday 13 June 2025

Tell us your story

FAQs

We want you to let us know about any and all of the ways your business is taking action on climate change in Mount Alexander Shire.

  • Are you embracing renewable energy?
  • Is your business saving waste from going to landfill?
  • Are you using environmentally friendly products and materials?
  • Is your business developing ‘green’ policies?

Whatever you're doing - big or small - let us know!

All you need is a title, description and a photo (if possible) of the climate change-making activity of your business.

We are inviting small businesses, sole traders, and social enterprises to share their stories.

Every business that submits an entry goes in the draw to win a $200 voucher from a local nursery. The winner will be drawn at random at Council’s Micro and Small Business Day on 27 June 2025. Take a look at our terms and conditions for details.

In Council’s Climate Change Strategy, we committed to strengthen social cohesion and connection around the area of climate change.

In 2024, we invited community members, and local organisations to share their story of tackling climate change. Take a look here.

In 2025, we’re focusing on celebrating how our business community are taking action on climate change locally.

If you’re interested in further resources to assist you in preparing for the impacts of climate change, get in touch with Council’s Climate Change Coordinator or Economic Development Coordinator.

Details are in the 'Got a question?' section of this page.

Climate action is in everything we do.

Our climate change strategy and climate change strategy action plan detail all the ways we’re embedding climate action into the way we work.

Some of those actions include:

  • We’ve committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2025
  • Achieved 100% renewable electricity for Council operations
  • Upgraded street lights to low-energy LEDs across the shire
  • Started the transition to an electric fleet
  • Capped the local Castlemaine landfill
  • Advocated for an increase in energy efficient standards for new homes through the National Construction Code
  • Participating in the Elevating Environmentally Sustainable Development Targets Planning Policy.

We’ve got a lot more to share about the ways we’re tackling climate change – stay tuned!

Change-making business ideas

Looking for some ideas on sustainability and climate action for your business?

Single-use plastics

Are you proactively exploring alternatives to single-use plastics?

If you cannot avoid or use reusable items, we suggest choosing single-use items made from alternative materials such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper, wood or bamboo.


Localise your supply-chain (where possible)

Are you supporting local food production or local economic development?

Are you able to reduce emissions from transport by purchasing products more locally?


Designing out waste

Are you championing sustainability via the design process to reduce waste and enhance eco-conscious practices?

An example of this is engaging with Environmentally Sustainable Design practices or with groups such as the Sustainable Builders Alliance.


Social connection

Through your practices, are you facilitating direct connections between growers and consumers or providing space for people to connect with each-other?

Climate-action and sustainability require a collective and collaborative approach. The more we can support connection and working together, the better placed we are to tackle this ‘wicked problem’.


Sustainable hospitality

Are you championing mindful menu choices and eco-friendly practices?

Did you participate in the ’Edgy Veg’ trail and awards this year for example?


Eco-friendly home-based business

Is your home-based business engaging with eco-friendly ventures through textile repurposing, circular economy initiatives, and/or green home assessments (such as the Whole of Home Resilience assessments upgrades)?


Energy Efficiency

Do you regularly review your energy bills and compare providers to ensure you are on the most competitive rate?

Comparing your energy retailer and rates on the Victorian Energy Compare Government website can allow you to save money and better take charge of your bills.