Queensland’s Maleny Dairies says it is converting its operations to become the state’s first carbon-positive dairy business.
The Hopper family-owned company has begun working across its operations to reduce its carbon footprint including through energy and water use. In the meantime, it will become carbon-positive by purchasing carbon offsets beyond those required to become carbon-neutral.
As fourth-generation farmers, the company wants to nurture its surroundings so we are becoming more proactive in how we operate in a sustainable way, explains Sally Hopper.
“This isn’t just about us becoming carbon-neutral. We asked why we couldn’t lead the way with our factory becoming carbon-positive?
“But this is only the start of the journey for Maleny Dairies. There is more to sustainability than carbon emissions so we will explore every element of our operations to understand better how we can benefit the environment.”
Hopper said the company first began understanding its environmental impact through the help of the Ecobiz program run by the Queensland Government, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland.
“This started us along the path to better understanding sustainability and what it can mean for Queensland businesses. It’s the path that we want to take supported by knowing that our customers are also on board.”
Main image: Ross and Sally Hopper of Maleny Dairies.
