Sustainably Ever After

In this episode of Sustainably Ever After, host Lilah McDonald sits down with mother-daughter duo Nicole and Macie Stewart, who are making waves in the world of secondhand treasures and community-driven hospitality. Nicole, co-founder of Junk and Disorderly, shares her lifelong passion for secondhand goods and recounts the journey of building one of Auckland’s most beloved vintage and flea markets. From sourcing unique treasures to navigating trends like “fast furniture,” Nicole discusses how her business has stayed true to its roots while fostering sustainable consumer habits. Meanwhile, Macie, founder of Kinship, reveals how growing up surrounded by entrepreneurial spirit and secondhand treasures inspired her to create a community-centric coffee haven. From serving excellent coffee to collaborating with sustainable suppliers like Ozone Coffee and Otis Oat Milk, Kinship embodies the values of human connection and mindful business practices. Together, Nicole and Macie reflect on the importance of passion, adaptability, and staying true to your values. Whether it’s creating a circular economy, championing sustainability, or building strong communities, their shared journey is an inspiring blueprint for future social entrepreneurs. Key Takeaways: The growth of secondhand markets and their role in sustainability. How Nicole and Macie built businesses rooted in passion, community, and circular economy principles. Insights into entrepreneurship, sustainability in retail and hospitality, and the value of adaptability. - If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. That way more people can find us and learn about Sustainability! A special thanks to sponsors of this podcast, OfficeMax, whose vision it is to empower sustainable and successful workplaces. Learn more about how they can help your business at www.officemax.co.nz Get in touch: Website - nzbusiness.co.nz/podcasts Instagram - @sustainablyeverafterpodcast Find out more about Junk and DisorderlyWebsite - junkndisorderly.co.nz Facebook - @JunkandDisorderlyNZ Instagram - @junkndisorderlynz Find out more about KinshipInstagram - @kinshipcoffeenz Facebook - @kinshipcoffeenz    

In this episode of Sustainably Ever After, Lilah speaks with Louise Nash, Founder of Circularity, a consultancy helping businesses transition to the circular economy. From her childhood among market gardens in Onehunga to her "aha moment" during the plastic crisis, Louise shares her personal and professional journey toward circular innovation. Louise explains the concept of the circular economy - a system that designs out waste, keeps resources in flow, and restores nature. She dives into: Practical advice for businesses looking to become circular. Case studies like Profile Group, where Circularity helped redesign packaging to cut waste and save costs. The importance of refusing single-use products and embracing innovative solutions. Louise also touches on exciting developments, like seaweed-based packaging, and the potential for digital technologies to accelerate circular solutions. Her story is a powerful call to action for businesses to embrace circularity, not just as a sustainable choice, but as a driver of efficiency and cost savings. Key Takeaways: Start small: Map out your processes, identify waste streams, and ask what can be reused or redesigned. Invest in education: Understanding the circular economy unlocks opportunities for innovation. Think system-wide: From supply chains to product design, circularity requires a holistic approach. - If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. That way more people can find us and learn about Sustainability! A special thanks to sponsors of this podcast, OfficeMax, whose vision it is to empower sustainable and successful workplaces. Learn more about how they can help your business at www.officemax.co.nz Get in touch: Website - nzbusiness.co.nz/podcasts Instagram - @sustainablyeverafterpodcast Find out more about Circularity:Website - circularity.co.nz Instagram - @circular.ity LinkedIn - @nashlouise

In this insightful episode of Sustainably Ever After host Lilah McDonald interviews Kevin Obern, Managing Director of OfficeMax. Kevin shares his journey, from his early career in sales to leading sustainability initiatives at OfficeMax, a company at the forefront of New Zealand's sustainability efforts in the workplace solutions industry. The discussion highlights OfficeMax's commitment to environmental and social responsibility, detailing how they’ve reduced their carbon footprint, implemented innovative packaging solutions, and worked with suppliers to prioritize sustainable practices. Kevin also offers practical advice for small businesses looking to begin their sustainability journeys. Key Takeaways: Kevin’s professional journey: How he transitioned from studying medicine to leading sustainability at OfficeMax. Kevin explains how he developed his career in sales and entrepreneurship, returning to OfficeMax as Managing Director. OfficeMax’s sustainability milestones: The company achieved a 58 percent reduction in their carbon footprint by 2023, surpassing their 2025 goal. Transitioned to electric forklifts and hybrid vehicles, cutting emissions by 25 percent. Introduced recyclable paper wrappers and box-making machines to minimise waste and plastic use. Supplier collaboration: OfficeMax launched a Responsible Supplier Code to evaluate and improve supplier sustainability. Demands sustainable practices from all partners, even pausing relationships with non-compliant suppliers. Advice for small businesses: Start small, focus on reducing usage, reusing materials, and buying from sustainable sources. Opt for quality over cheap products to reduce landfill waste. Engage with suppliers and customers to prioritise sustainability. The future of OfficeMax: Continuing incremental improvements in sustainability amidst diminishing returns. Exploring advancements like hydrogen vehicles and expanded solar power. Encouraging internal and external education on sustainable practices. - If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. That way more people can find us and learn about Sustainability! A special thanks to sponsors of this podcast, OfficeMax, whose vision it is to empower sustainable and successful workplaces. Learn more about how they can help your business at www.officemax.co.nz Get in touch: Website - nzbusiness.co.nz/podcasts Instagram - @sustainablyeverafterpodcast Find out more about OfficeMax:Website - www.officemax.co.nz Facebook - @OfficeMaxNZ LinkedIn - @OfficeMaxNewZealand

In this episode of Sustainably Ever After, Lilah McDonald interviews Garth Ellingham, Founder of LUCKE, a sustainable apparel company redefining workwear with low-impact materials and thoughtful design. Garth shares his inspiring journey from professional sailing to creating clothing that embodies environmental empathy and innovation. Dive into the challenges, innovations, and impactful practices shaping the sustainable apparel industry. Garth recounts how his love for the ocean inspired him to address environmental challenges through sustainable clothing. LUCKE focuses on creating durable, low-impact apparel while navigating the complexities of fabric innovation and production. Through partnerships, such as with One Tree Planted, and programmes like clothing take-backs, LUCKE not only produces eco-conscious garments but also fosters a culture of responsibility among clients. Garth’s insights underscore the importance of empathy, transparency, and collaboration in driving meaningful environmental change. Key Takeaways: Journey to sustainability: Garth’s transition from sailing to sustainable clothing was driven by a desire to create meaningful change, leveraging his background in environmental engineering. Innovative materials: LUCKE uses eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton and recycled polyester, and even blends incorporating used coffee grounds for odor reduction and reduced washing. Combating greenwashing: Transparency and education are core to LUCKE’s approach, ensuring customers understand the benefits and limitations of sustainable materials. Holistic sustainability: From fabric selection to packaging, LUCKE considers every aspect of its operations, striving to minimize environmental impact at all stages. Empowering change: Garth emphasises starting small, whether through thoughtful purchasing or waste management, and believes in the ripple effect of collective action. - If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to rate the podcast on Spotify or leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. That way more people can find us and learn about Sustainability! A special thanks to sponsors of this podcast, OfficeMax, whose vision it is to empower sustainable and successful workplaces. Learn more about how they can help your business at www.officemax.co.nz Get in touch: Website - nzbusiness.co.nz/podcasts Instagram - @sustainablyeverafterpodcast Find out more about LUCKE:Website - www.luckeapparel.com Facebook - @LUCKEgear Instagram - @luckeapparel