How to grow your sustainability commitment – literally

Living more sustainability is one of the world’s biggest challenges. But big change can start with small steps – making progress daily, reminding ourselves why we’re doing what we are doing.

Which is why Volvo Car Australia and the Ocean Lovers Festival invited those who attended last month’s event at Bondi Beach to share their own commitments to more sustainable living – and turn those written words into everyday art.

While a group beach clean on the Saturday morning removed its fair share of plastic bottles from the beach, the event created its own collective bottle – a digital variant filled with messages of hope, and commitments from Ocean Lovers to always be part of the solution.

Guests entered their commitments via iPads at the Volvo Sustainability Education Zone – and then watched it appear inside a giant Volvo bottle.

With graphic artists on-hand at the event, Ocean Lovers then took home those commitments on custom-made calligraphy cards for their wall, fridge door or work desk – an everyday reminder that small things can collectively make a big difference.

The cards were created on seeded paper, so Ocean Lovers can now literally watch their commitments grow, nurture them – and turn them into something bigger.

The event was another huge success. Alongside a packed event agenda of education, information, inspiration and entertainment, there was plenty of interest in the C40 Recharge, with Ocean Lovers getting up close and personal to the car in a dedicated stand on the beach, with many now seriously considering making their next vehicle an electric car.

“It is a privilege to be partnered with the Ocean Lovers Festival as our aims are closely aligned,” said Volvo Car Australia MD, Stephen Connor.

“Sustainability has been at the heart of our values since our inception in 1927 and is central to our company’s purpose. We recognise that this is essential for not only our future success but for the future of us all.”