The Banksia Foundation announces sustainability award finalists

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NFP and NGO finalist OzHarvest. Source: Banksia Foundation Facebook

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Reducing waste, repurposing goods and closing loops have emerged as themes among the 33 finalists in Australia’s longest-running sustainability awards.

The Banksia Foundation has announced the shortlist for the awards, which spans 10 categories and celebrates sustainable development by businesses, communities, individuals and governments.

“After what has been an extremely challenging year, we are keen to celebrate those who are striving to make positive change,” says Banksia Foundation CEO Graz van Egmond.

“Our judges were blown away by the quality of the entries. In spite of COVID-19, change-makers across Australia are innovating and collaborating to do their bit to improve life on the planet.”

The finalists include:

  • An online marketplace that reduces food waste by enabling food suppliers to sell their quality surplus products at a discount to the food service industry
  • Technology to trap restaurants’ grease waste and sell it for biofuel
  • Australia’s first Circular Economy Precinct that renews, repairs and repurposes goods
  • A program to change the way the water industry views its ‘wastes’ by thinking of them as resources instead
  • A buy back and re-sell service from a national furniture company

The impressive crop of finalists also includes projects to restore natural environments, increase renewable energy, build more resilient communities, and more.

The winners in each category, including the overall Gold Award and a special Minister for the Environment Award, will be announced at a virtual awards ceremony on March 24.

The Banksia Sustainability Awards are the longest-running sustainability awards in Australia. They are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), global goals designed to be a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all – something that is more important than ever as businesses, communities and governments continue to respond to the pandemic.

Established more than 30 years ago, the Banksia Sustainability Awards recognise individuals, communities, businesses and government for innovation and excellence in environmental and social stewardship.

Information on the finalists in each category is provided on the following pages.

Learn more and book tickets for the virtual Banksia Sustainability Awards Presentation and a Q&A session with the finalists the day before here.

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