Making your business more sustainable
Just like an adorable ‘doggo’ at your local shelter, have you thought about adopting sustainable practices in your business? All businesses produce waste. Sustainability should be front of mind for any business looking to improve their operations.
With World Environment Day on Thursday 5 June 2025, it’s a timely reminder to find out how your business can become more sustainable with real-world examples and advice from those already succeeding.
Going green isn’t just good for the environment; it’s a smart business strategy. Just ask the 2 Victorian pet groomers who are using sustainability to save money, attract customers and build loyalty.
Supporting your business with a sustainability program
Local Councils
Looking to make your business more sustainable but not sure where to start? Across Victoria, local councils provide sustainability programs to help businesses become more eco-friendly. Find out what’s available in your area through Know your council.
These programs can connect you to grants, training and a network of like-minded people to help you reach your greener goals.
Industry specific programs
For tailored advice, find an industry specific program with solutions to meet your sustainability goals.
Actively engaging in and aligning your products or services with accredited industry programs sends customers a strong signal that you have a commitment to sustainability.
You might also be able to access practical training you can put into action immediately and become part of a sustainable business directory.
One industry stepping up to reduce its environmental pawprint is pet grooming – the experts who keep our furry friends looking and feeling their best.
Businesses can now apply to be accredited with the Sustainable Salons program, who offer practical, planet-friendly advice that makes going green in a salon a little less hairy.
About Sustainable Salons
The Sustainable Salons program services salons of all shapes and sizes, helping to divert 95% of salon materials from landfills.
Joining the program means chemicals, fur, metals, paper, plastics, sharp objects and equipment are either recycled or repurposed or disposed of correctly.
At Sustainable Salons, our vision is to make every salon experience sustainable. By turning purpose into profit and waste into opportunity, we help salons future-proof their business, strengthen their brand, and thrive in a world where doing good is good for business.
Paul Frasca, co-founder of Sustainable Salons.
Find out more from Sustainability Salons.
How recycling can lead to more customers
Darling Doggies in Middle Park recycles their fur clippings, plastics, metals, and paper waste. This choice has helped reduce waste and keep overheads down while attracting like-minded clients who genuinely care about the planet. ‘Many [clients] have chosen us specifically because of our values,’ says Brig, owner of Darling Doggies.
Brigitte Hunt and Darling Doggies
The choice to be more sustainable was an easy one for Brig and the pet grooming business. ‘It builds loyalty. Clients feel good knowing they’re supporting a business that cares about animals and the environment,’ says Brig.
Changes big or small don’t go unnoticed. As Brig mentions, it often sparks conversations and has led to a lot of positive word-of-mouth. People are proud to support a local business that’s making conscious choices.
Joining Sustainable Salons has been incredibly meaningful. As a new salon, it’s helped set the tone for the kind of business I want to run – responsible, ethical, and forward-thinking. It’s given my customers something to connect with and has helped build trust in my brand right from the start.
Brigitte Hunt, owner of Darling Doggies.
Brigitte offers the following advice for any small business owner looking to go green in the future.
Start small. Every change counts. Look for sustainable partners who can make the process easier. Talk about your efforts with your customers; they’ll respect and appreciate your honesty and intentions. Sustainability doesn’t just help the planet. It builds a stronger, more resilient brand.
Find out more about Darling Doggies.
Biodegradable products – good for our pets and the planet
Cuts For Pups in Thomastown has embraced several eco-friendly practices, including water conservation and the use of biodegradable pet products. Their commitment to sustainability means they only use top-quality, natural shampoos and conditioners that are gentle on pets and the planet. And when it comes to grooming sessions, eco-friendly shower nozzles and hydro baths minimise water usage
These initiatives have not only helped the environment but also attracted clients who appreciate their commitment to sustainability, boosting their clientele base and bottom line.
Jessica Turchiarelli and Cuts For Pups
Jessica has embedded her own environmentally conscious values into her business, so it makes sense that she would want to attract customers who feel the same. Many of her clients are like-minded and appreciate that their pets are being groomed in an eco-friendly environment – a differentiator for her salon.
By adopting sustainable practices, Cuts For Pups has built trust and loyalty among their clients. Leading to positive word-of-mouth referrals and repeat business. Jessica even says they have clients who travel from afar because they know their dogs are in safe, caring hands.
Our cut pet hair is recycled and gets turned into "hair booms" used for cleaning up oil spills. This has not only reduced our waste but also connected us with a network of like-minded businesses. Plus, being listed in a directory has helped us attract more eco-conscious clients.
Jessica Turchiarelli owner of Cuts For Pups.
Jessica offers the following advice for any small business owner thinking about becoming more environmentally friendly.
‘Start small and begin with 1 or 2 sustainable practices, like using biodegradable products or reducing energy consumption, and build from there. Educate your team and ensure that all staff members are trained and committed to sustainable practices.
Find out more from Cuts For Pups.
Improve sustainability in your business
Sustainability doesn’t mean a complete overhaul of your business overnight. It’s the small steps you take over months and years to become more environmentally friendly. Here are some resources to get you started: