Our commitment to a cleaner, greener future
Held 4-10 August, Keep Australia Beautiful Week is an annual initiative that raises awareness about litter prevention and environmental sustainability across the country. Inspiring individuals, communities, and businesses to take action, this week is a timely reminder of the shared responsibility we all have in protecting our environment.
This year’s theme, “Picking up the Pieces”, is a powerful reminder that every one of us plays a role in repairing the damage caused by litter, waste, and environmental neglect. Whether it’s picking up rubbish in your local park, making more mindful consumption choices, or reducing plastic use, every small step counts.
The campaign encourages Australians to take practical actions like:
- Disposing of waste correctly and recycling where possible.
- Picking up litter, even if it isn’t yours.
- Saying no to single use plastics.
- Getting involved in local clean-up events.
- Inspiring others to take action in their own communities.
This message aligns closely with our own approach to sustainability in taking accountability, leading by example, and actively “picking up the pieces” for a cleaner future.
As a customer-owned bank with a regional footprint, we are deeply grounded in the communities we serve. This connection strengthens our commitment to operating in a way that is socially responsible, environmentally sustainable, and ethically sound. We understand that the decisions we make today shape the future for generations to come, and we are taking steps to ensure that future is bright, clean, and sustainable.
Minimising our environmental impact
We recognise that banking can be a powerful force for good. That’s why we are committed to minimising the environmental impact of both our business operations, and the products and services we offer.
Some of the ways we are putting this into practice include:
- Recycled PVC debit and credit cards, and environmentally conscious collateral across G&C Mutual Bank branded cards, with plans to expand these initiatives to Unity Bank branded cards in the future, following our recent merger.
- Our Responsible Banking Policy which guides our approach to lending and investing with respect to our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy.
- We have recently undertaken a Greenhouse Gas Assessment to gain deeper insight into our emissions and identify key areas of reduction.
- Comprehensive head office recycling program as part of our building’s facilities team, featuring a dedicated four-bin waste system to separate dry waste, organics, mixed recyclables, and paper/cardboard. This helps to reduce landfill waste, encourage better recycling, prevent contamination and support more sustainable day to day operations.
- Recent head office refurbishment which included efforts to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance staff wellbeing. Furniture was repurposed or rehomed to staff and charitable organisations and new water efficient fixtures were installed.
Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond operational improvements. It’s part of who we are as a mutual bank. Initiatives like Keep Australia Beautiful Week, remind us all that small changes, made collectively, can drive significant positive impact.
By banking with us, our members support our purpose-led approach striving to deliver mutually valuable banking for people and planet. Together, we can protect our environment, reduce waste, and build stronger, more resilient communities.
Let’s keep Australia beautiful, not just for this week, but for the long term.
