Our Commitment to Sustainability
At Yarra Valley Estate, sustainability isn’t just a goal; it’s a passion that drives everything we do. We’re always looking for new ways to reduce waste and operate more sustainably, both within our venue and across the property.
How We Recycle and Reuse:
We are proud to recycle and repurpose a variety of materials to minimise our environmental impact:
- Batteries and ink cartridges
- Paper and newspapers
- Coffee grounds and orange peel
- Soft plastics and cigarette butts
- E-waste and coffee cups
- Bottle tops and other small items
Our Eco-Friendly Initiatives
We don’t stop at recycling. We’ve implemented several sustainability programs to further reduce our footprint and give back to the community:
- Edible Forest and Gardens: Our onsite Edible Forest and vegetable gardens grow produce in a spray-free environment, reducing food miles and ensuring our guests enjoy the freshest, organic ingredients.
- Babbajin Park: This on-site wildlife shelter rehabilitates injured and orphaned animals and releases them back into their natural Yarra Valley habitat.
- Cooking Classes: Held in repurposed shipping containers, our cooking classes focus on sustainability, with boxed meals donated to locals in need.
- Water Conservation: We harvest rainwater through tanks and use eco-friendly heat pumps to ensure water efficiency across the property.
- Zero Waste Journey: With waste separation bins in all areas, we are constantly working towards zero waste.
- Organic Waste: Our onsite chickens and worm farm help compost organic waste, and we encourage guests to take home our nutrient-rich worm ‘tea’ to feed their own gardens.
- Sculpture Art: We repurpose old horseshoes into unique art pieces around the property, crafted by a local artisan.
What We Offer to Guests:
We’re committed to offering eco-friendly options for our guests, including:
- Plastic-Free Environment: We’ve ditched single-use plastics, with metal straws replacing disposable ones.
- Onsite Products: We create our preserves, room sprays, and eco-friendly veggie bags, all grown and made here at YVE.
- Accommodation with a Difference: Our rooms do not feature minibar fridges, TVs, or spa baths. This allows us to conserve energy and gives guests control over their own comfort with environmentally friendly heating and cooling systems.
- Sustainable Bathroom Products: We provide septic-safe, eco-friendly toiletries to reduce waste and ensure every guest’s clean, green stay.
Supporting Local and Circular Economy
We take pride in supporting our local community and businesses:
- Local Suppliers: We work with vendors and suppliers within a 30 km radius to reduce our carbon footprint.
- Waste Reduction: We’re part of the “Simply Cups” initiative to help recycle coffee cups that otherwise end up in landfill, and we proudly use Who Gives a Crap toilet paper, which donates 50% of profits to water sanitation projects.
At Yarra Valley Estate, we believe that small changes can lead to big impacts. Every step we take is a step towards a greener, more sustainable future. We invite you to be a part of this journey when you visit.
What sustainable steps will you take?
