The hospitality sector not only delivers enjoyable experiences for patrons, but also presents opportunities for individuals to acquire valuable employability skills and make meaningful contributions to the community.
Sibling Cafe, located in Carlton North, is a social enterprise that embraces numerous facets of sustainability. They actively reduce waste and organize programs that foster community involvement for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Significance for the business
Since their inception in late 2018, Sibling Cafe has implemented systems to minimize waste. They offer reusable items like coffee cups and straws to their customers, while also encouraging them to bring their own containers for takeout food and drinks.
The cafe collaborates with local suppliers and farmers, such as Northside Fruits and Veg, Greenlands, Days Walk Farm, and Small Batch. These partners provide produce in reusable crates and containers, effectively reducing packaging waste. Additionally, Sibling Cafe has made a conscious effort to minimize plastic waste by working with The Udderway and Schulz Organic Dairy, adopting a “milk on tap” system that utilizes reusable kegs. As a result, their coffee-making process is now entirely plastic-free.
Sibling Cafe employs coffee cups from I am not paper as a disposable option, but also offers reusable coffee cups like Keep Cups and those crafted by local ceramic artist Linh Dinh. To address organic waste, including food scraps and coffee grounds, they collaborate with Waste Ninja. Moreover, by prioritizing locally sourced, low-mile produce, they have significantly reduced their carbon footprint.
Benefits for customers
At Sibling Cafe, customers have the option to bring their own containers for food and beverages. Furthermore, upon purchasing a reusable cup from the establishment, they can enjoy their first coffee free of charge. By supporting Sibling Cafe, customers can rest assured knowing that their expenditure contributes to a worthy cause. All of Sibling’s profits are dedicated to funding their training program, which supports individuals who face barriers to social inclusion.
The impact
Sibling Cafe’s initiatives save approximately 1,400 cups from ending up in landfills every week. Jesi Beaton, the General Manager, highlights the importance of passing on their values and promoting social and environmental sustainability to their volunteers. This approach not only benefits their volunteers in their future careers but also fosters a more sustainable hospitality industry.
What lies ahead?
Sibling Cafe is expanding its in-house training program and partnering with various community organizations. They recently joined forces with the Fitzroy Learning Network to conduct an accredited coffee training course, with the next group of learners commencing in the upcoming year.
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