There is a lot of talk these days about the damage being done to our environment by humans, and it’s wonderful to see so many people taking responsibility and doing their part to effect positive change. SALT scuba diving strongly believes that business should and can contribute to that change, with this in mind we set out to build an ECO friendly small business as an example of what can be achieved with a little innovative thinking and a good attitude, The result is our little dive shop which has now set it’s target to becoming Australia’s first carbon neutral dive centre by the end of 2010.

Following is a list of ideas that we have incorporated into our business already, if you can think of any ways we can improve or innovate, we would love o hear your ideas!

• Shop fit out completed using only reclaimed and recycled materials
• All furniture is pre-loved removing the need for more raw resources and production
• We use 100% green energy for all our power
• Our website is powered by green servers that run on certified green energy
• We actively recycle   Paper, Plastic, Cans and glass
• Where possible we only sell products that are supplied free of packaging
• All our print media is created using 100% recycled paper and vegetable based inks
• We use LED lighting in our shop, 40 times less power consumption than a standard bulb
• We Organise and participate in Clean up Australia day, and Project AWARE underwater clean ups.
• We support Project AWARE, Sea Shepard, The Australian Marine Conservation Society and The Sea Turtle Foundation
• During every dive course our students are taught the essentials of streamlining and environmental awareness while diving
• We use 100% recycled unbleached Toilet paper “Don’t wipe out the environment”

There are many ways you can help make a difference, here are a few ideas!

• Support businesses with strong environmental morals
• Try car pooling to get to work
• try weekly shopping and avoid lots of small car trips for groceries
• use sustainable products such as recycled paper and cleaning products that bio degrade
• recycle your plastic shopping bags at the supermarket
• Use canvas bags
• Ask your energy provider for green power options
• Reduce, Re-use and Recycle day to day products
• If possible use gray water (shower, sink and washing machine) to water your gardens
• Wash your car on grass not on the street
• If you see rubbish, pick it up and recycle it if you can, someone may have done the wrong thing, but you can make it right
• Try to avoid products that contains CFCs
• Lobby your local council for public recycling bins

Now more than ever we have a fantastic opportunity to take control of our actions and stop any further damage  to our fragile planet, we live in a world of finite resources we cannot continue exploiting them without consequence.