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Getting back to our grass roots
We’ve been committed greenies for years but now Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology has taken a new approach to doing its bit for the planet.
The practice has joined forces with Landcare Australia to run volunteering programs for staff members in 15 locations across Queensland and Northern NSW.
The idea is that Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology people can work together on worthwhile projects in their own areas, have the opportunity to get out of doors, get their hands dirty, learn more about the natural landscape, and make a tangible difference to their local environment.
Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology will commit an estimated $60,000 towards the program over the next 12 months, not only providing Landcare with extra hands for on-ground projects but also contributing much need funding for the local groups.
CEO Dr Michael Harrison explains: “We’ve been funding tree planting for some time as a way of offsetting the carbon footprint created by our courier cars. They are vital in getting patients’ test samples to the lab in time – we can’t do without them, they actually help save lives -- but they come at a price. Our cars clock up many kilometres a year and burn carbon generating fuel.
“It would be relatively simple to keep throwing money at the problem but we wanted to find a solution that would have longer-term, deeper benefits.
“Most of us at Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology are personally committed to conservation. We care about the environment and many of us want to do something practical that can make a difference. Realistically, most of us probably wouldn’t take action on our own, but in the company of others – our friends and colleagues --we could be inspired to get out there and roll up our sleeves. We’re hoping that through working with a Landcare project at the local level, everyone involved will have a satisfying and rewarding experience – and this is something that is actually quite priceless.”
Landcare Queensland Manager Chloe Tanner says that with many Landcare groups receiving little or no funding for their activities, the funds will not only help cover the costs of hosting environmental volunteering days but, also allow the groups to carry out on-ground works they might not otherwise have the resources to do.
She says: “Volunteer contributions are the lifeblood of Landcare groups so it is our hope that this program will also help facilitate good long term connections between Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology employees and their local Landcare group.
“Volunteers will come away from a Landcare volunteering experience with a better understanding of their local catchment and how their activities at home and work can impact on the environment in which they live.”
Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology Environmental Systems Coordinator Liz Reid describes the program as a win-win solution for all concerned: “Landcare gets more volunteers and an injection of funds, Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology helps offset its carbon foot print, and staff members have a worthwhile, enriching experience being connected with their local environment”.
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