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The Coffee Pedaler: pedalling towards sustainability

Learn about the sustainable choices regional cafe, The Coffee Pedaler, has made to reduce business costs across its cafes located in the Riverina region of New South Wales.

18 October 2024

Key take aways

  • Matt Lucas started The Coffee Pedaler with the ethos of cycling at its core – focused on energy, health benefits and minimal environmental impact
  • Installing solar panels, donating coffee grinds, and adopting BioPak packaging has enhanced business sustainability for the cafes
  • Partnering with local suppliers has helped reduce emissions related to transportation and improve the business’ reputation within their local Riverina community
  • Small businesses can adopt BioPak packaging with a discount through CommBank’s Sustainability Action Tool

Breaking away from the peloton

Cafe owner, Matt Lucas, is an avid cyclist and coffee lover. His passion for cycling – the enjoyment of the activity, the energy it creates, its health benefits and minimal impact on the environment – formed the ethos behind The Coffee Pedaler, first established in Tumut over six years ago.

Matt believes The Coffee Pedaler is only just starting out on its sustainability journey. Some of the actions he’s taken so far include:

  • Installing solar panels to capitalise on renewable energy and reduce electricity bills
  • Donating coffee grinds to local homes and agricultural businesses to repurpose as soil enhancer
  • Separating food waste from general waste and recyclables, which is then used as animal feed
  • Adopting BioPak’s certified compostable packaging to sustainably manage food packaging waste

These efforts help to reduce The Coffee Pedaler’s impacts on the environment whilst building a more sustainable small business ecosystem in regional NSW.

Bridging the gap

The Coffee Pedaler sources their beans from coffee roaster Pablo & Rusty’s, a certified B Corp, certified Carbon Neutral Organisation and proud member of 1% for the Planet. The Sydney-based roaster prides itself on providing environmentally conscious cafes with premium, ethical and sustainable coffee.

Working towards a circular economy

Choosing BioPak packaging was another sustainable action taken by The Coffee Pedaler. BioPak, a globally recognised brand and certified B Corp, use rapidly renewable, responsibly sourced plant-based materials for their compostable food packaging (which is a great conversation starter with Matt’s customers). This provides a better end-of-life solution for food packaging and a more sustainable alternative to regular plastic.

Hard Rock Enterprises

Chasing sustainable solutions

Matt also supports and works with local suppliers wherever possible, helping the Coffee Pedaler lower ‘food kilometres’ (the distance food is transported between its origin and the consumer) by using local free-range eggs, Gundagai lamb, local beef and cheese made from Riverina fresh milk. This also delivers reputational benefits to the Coffee Pedaler through partnering with like-minded businesses while supporting the surrounding community.

Working with the community, and the Coffee Pedaler’s collaboration with Pablo & Rusty’s Coffee Roaster and BioPak, are examples of how businesses of all shapes and sizes can ride together towards improved sustainability for our planet and its people.

How to incorporate sustainable business practices

For a triple bottom line that measures success by profit, people, and the planet, here are some tips on where to start:

  • Consider how investments, like solar panels and efficient machinery can save costs and reduce waste, which pays for the asset over its lifetime 
  • Look for likeminded businesses within your surrounding community. Share ideas and support each other on what works well

Sustainability Action Tool

Access BioPak packaging with a discount through the Sustainability Action Tool

Explore the tool

Things you should know

  • This article provides general information of an educational nature only. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as personal financial product advice. The views expressed by contributors are their own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of CBA. As the information has been provided without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on this information, consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions, and whether the product is appropriate to your circumstances. You should also consider whether seeking independent professional legal, tax and financial advice is necessary. Every effort has been taken to ensure the information was correct as at the time of printing but it may be subject to change. No part of the editorial contents may be reproduced or copied in any form without the prior permission and acknowledgement of CBA.

    For more information about the available products and services mentioned in this publication – including Product Disclosure Statements, Terms and Conditions, Target Market Determinations and Financial Services Guides that are currently available electronically – as well as information about interest rates and any fees and charges that may apply, go to http://commbank.com.au.