Black and white TV

By Bridget Cook
Last year, Ultimate Tiles managing-director Rick Somers signed the business up to the ‘Pies Green Magpie’ program.
Collingwood TV (CTV) visited the store recently to talk to Mr Somers about how the program has helped the business become more sustainable.
The program’s purpose is to assist small to medium business with all facets of recycling, reusing and contacts through ‘Grow Me The Money’.
Through the program, a free greenhouse gas emissions audit was conducted at the Narre Warren store which occupies four buildings.
It was discovered the businesses emissions were more than 67 tonnes per year.
Since then, Mr Somers has decided to invest $17,775, which will see a cost saving of $6000 per year and cut back the electricity bill by 50 per cent.
Mr Somers said the subject of global sustainability and greenhouse gas reductions was paramount to all Australians, the public and businesses.
“We want to be able to set good examples to others,” he said.
Mr Somers spoke to CTV about the success of signing up with the money saving program.
“From filling out the audit forms and sending them back to the Green Magpies, they have shown me how much energy and cost I can save with our electricity usage,” he said.
“We were invited to workshops and events which gave us a connection to other people in similar situations to us so we could discuss different recycling methods.”
And by signing up as a Green Magpie member, businesses are offered a three-game package to Collingwood matches – something Mr Somers said was a great bonus.
To sign up to ‘Green Magpies’ visit the website www.collingwoodfc.com.au/greenmagpies or www.growmethemoney.com.au.