In a world where hospitality is often seen as a transaction, this question has taken centre stage at Blue Gum Country Estate during the month of June. We are in the process of redefining our values in Business and challenging established mindsets. In doing so, we opened the doors to our team and have encouraged them to conceptualise ideas on embracing the value of generosity and to make it a cornerstone.
We are eager to engage with our guests and the wider community. Can we encourage you to share your own acts of giving back? By fostering a culture of generosity and environmental responsibility, we can all inspire others to embrace sustainable practices and make a positive impact on the world, one moment at a time. We invite everyone to join us on this journey toward a more generous and sustainable future. Together, by incorporating small, meaningful changes into our daily lives, we can create a significant and lasting difference in the world around us.
Blue Gum has embarked on this journey in order to incorporate generosity into our business practices in the Month of June. The team have gotten together to brainstorm and devise innovative solutions, resulting in two impactful initiatives. The first initiative focuses on implementing a recycling program, while the second establishes a local soup distribution channel for those in need in Stanford.
To begin our commitment to sustainability, we are investing time and effort into educating our staff about responsible waste disposal. Short reels, videos and informative resources are being used to enlighten the team about the importance of recycling and sustainable waste management. The staff is being encouraged to implement divided bins in the kitchen, housekeeping, and their personal homes, aiming to make responsible waste disposal a seamless part of their daily lives.
Organic waste from the guest house, including leftover food and kitchen scraps, is diverted towards composting on the estate. Amanda and Mike Argall (our dedicated Estate Manager) and their trusty earthworms, play a crucial role in turning this waste into nutrient-rich compost. Furthermore, Blue Gum Country Estate is leveraging its excess fruit and vegetables, along with any leftovers, by donating them to a local church initiative. This initiative helps provide soup for the underprivileged in Stanford South, creating a meaningful impact within the community.
In addition to these measures, the team at Blue Gum Country Estate has set an ambitious challenge for themselves: to notice and pick up one piece of litter per day on the farm or in their community. By adopting this habit, we aim to remove 365 pieces of litter from the environment. Multiply that by our team of 20 members, and it amounts to an impressive 7,300 pieces of litter over the course of a year. In our world and sphere of influence we want to make a small, sustainable change that collectively contributes to a cleaner world.
Blue Gum Country Estate will continue to redefine what it means to be a gracious host, and to continue to uphold that the true value of generosity lies in creating meaningful and lasting connections.
“From the moment guests step foot on the property, they are greeted with genuine warmth and hospitality. The staff go above and beyond to ensure every visitor feels valued and cared for.” Tripadvisor Traveller
Dear Anton and Tarryn
I always love reading your newsletters but this one is a gem! I truly admire your work ethos which is transferred to every nook and cranny of Blue Gum Country Estate – from the wonderful and warm reception from you and your staff, to the exceptional food prepared in your kitchen, the tasteful decor of your rooms, and the calming tranquility of the Estate. You are an absolute inspiration, in that you are passing on your values to your family and your employees, and no doubt to the greater Stanford community, through your initiatives.
Keep up the great work you are doing – no doubt you will create dedicated followers of Blue Gum. I know I’m certainly one of them!
Fond regards, Karen
Dear Karen
Thanks so much for the lovely feedback and for being with us on the journey. We hope to see you again soon
Warm Regards
Anton and the Blue Gum Team