Social Enterprises Driving the Circular Economy
The circular economy is gaining momentum as businesses and consumers increasingly recognise the importance of sustainability. At the forefront of this movement are social enterprises, innovative organisations that blend commercial strategies with a commitment to social and environmental impact. These enterprises are not only creating valuable goods and services but also fostering a more sustainable and equitable future.
Image Credit: Revolve Recycling
Here are some inspiring social enterprises that are making a significant difference in the circular economy:
Among The Trees
Among The Trees is a not-for-profit organisation that provides sustainable timber and woodworking resources.
Location: St Peters, NSW
Website: amongthetrees.com.au
Banish
Banish is an Australian company dedicated to helping people reduce waste and live more sustainably.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Website: banish.com.au
Betizen
Betizen offers returnable packaging as a service to events, platforms & organisations aiming to reduce single-use waste.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Website: betizen.org
CandleXchange
CandleXchange offers a sustainable solution for candle lovers by providing refillable candles.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Website: candlexchange.com.au
Cercle
Cercle is a service that delivers reusable coffee cups to your office and collects them for washing and returning.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Website: cercle.com.au
Circle Paints
Circle Paints diverts unwanted paint from landfill and makes it available for reuse.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Website: www.circlepaints.org.au
Community Resources
Community Resources provides employment and training opportunities for people facing barriers to employment, with a focus on environmental services.
Location: Wollongong, NSW
Website: www.communityresources.org.au
Endless Play Studio
Endless Play Studio creates sustainable and educational toys from recycled materials.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Website: www.endlessplaystudio.com
Etiko
Etiko is an ethical fashion brand offering fair trade and organic clothing and footwear.
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Website: www.etiko.com.au
Florapeutic
Florapeutic creates natural and sustainable floral arrangements and products.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Website: www.florapeutic.com.au
Greenacres
Greenacres provides employment and support for people with disabilities, including recycling and environmental services.
Location: Wollongong, NSW
Website: www.greenacres.net.au
Ozharvest Ventures
Ozharvest Ventures supports innovative solutions to food waste and food insecurity.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Website: www.ozharvest.ventures
Project Net Zero
Project Net Zero helps businesses and organisations achieve net-zero emissions through sustainable practices.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Website: www.projectnetzero.com.au
ReLove
ReLove collects, restores, and re-homes quality pre-loved furniture and household items to those in need.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Website: www.relove.org.au
ReNewy Living
ReNewy Living offers sustainable and eco-friendly products for a healthier home and lifestyle.
Location: Newcastle, NSW
Website: www.renewyliving.com.au
Reverse Garbage Co-operative
Reverse Garbage diverts industrial and commercial waste from landfill and makes it available for creative reuse.
Location: Marrickville, NSW
Website: www.reversegarbage.org.au
Revolve Recycling
Revolve Recycling divert bicycles from landfill and give them a new life. The also assist bike shops and bike share operators with their waste management.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Website: revolverecycling.net
St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra Goulburn
The St Vincent de Paul Society provides assistance to people in need, including through their Vinnies retail stores which promote reuse and recycling.
Location: Canberra, ACT & Goulburn, NSW
Website: www.vinnies.org.au/nsw/canberra-goulburn
Superyard
Superyard is an online marketplace that helps Australian construction businesses easily buy, sell, and manage unused building materials.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Website: www.superyard.com.au
The Full Circle Collective
The Full Circle Collective is a community-driven initiative promoting sustainable living and circular economy principles.
Location: Newcastle, NSW
Website: www.thefullcirclecollective.com.au
The Reconnect Project
The Reconnect Project refurbishes unwanted mobile phones and laptops, providing them to people in need.
Location: Penhurst, NSW
Website: thereconnectproject.com.au
The Social Outfit
The Social Outfit is a fashion label providing training and employment in the fashion industry to people from refugee and new migrant communities.
Location: Newtown, NSW
Website: www.thesocialoutfit.org
Underwear for Humanity
Underwear for Humanity creates ethical and sustainable underwear from organic and recycled materials.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Website: www.underwearforhumanity.com.au
Women's Shed Canberra (WSC)
The Women's Shed Canberra provides a safe and inclusive space for women to learn practical skills, including repairing and repurposing items.
Location: Canberra, ACT
Website: www.womensshedcanberra.com.au
WSCO Industries
Wise Recycling Co (WSCO) is an Australia wide recycling collection and drop off initiative that brings local communities and businesses together to keep hard to recycle waste out of landfill.
Location: Sydney, NSW
Website: wiserecyclingco.com
Wurley
Wurley creates sustainable and culturally appropriate housing solutions for Aboriginal communities.
Location: Sydney, NSW