into real change.
What was it?
Drink For Change was a public-awareness event that supported cafes across Victoria who wanted to save water. For one week, customers at participating cafes donated change for their complimentary water. The money raised in these cafes then went towards initiatives that would help the cafe save water.
When did it happen?
Drink For Change ran during the first week of December. This coincided with the start of another hot Aussie summer and a possible upgrade in water restrictions. It ran in participating cafes across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Why cafes got involved?
- For public recognition – cafes benefited from the event's PR campaign, including website exposure and local media exposure
- To demonstrate leadership – Drink For Change provided an outstanding opportunity for your cafes to show that they are helping to improve Victoria's environment
- To give customers another reason to frequent their business
- To raise much needed funds for water-saving initiatives in their business
- To save money by reducing their annual water bill
- To reduce their business's impact on the environment.
Why cafe customers got involved?
- To support small business in making small changes that add up to a big difference across the entire industry
- To show small businesses we value those who make a commitment to reducing their environmental impact
- To ensure that we continue to enjoy complimentary water with our coffee or food for many years to come!
Where did the money go?
Some of the water-saving initiatives that cafes invested in included:
| Raise | Buys |
| $25 | 2 flow restrictors and 1 toilet flush stopper |
| $50 | 3 flow restrictors and 2 toilet flush stoppers |
| $100 | 3 flow restrictors, 2 toilet flush stoppers and 2 water-saving kitchen nozzles |
| $250 | 3 flow restrictors, 2 toilet flush stoppers and a professional water audit |
| $1000 | 1 waterless urinal or 2 dual flush toilets or a simple grey water system |
To learn more about each cafe's involvement, visit each cafe's profile.
Supporters:
Aqua Wizz provided discounts on their pressure compensating flow controllers and on installation services.
Clever Water provided a 12.5% discount on the rental or purchase of any of their products including free installation.
Cliffy's Emporium is set in an old grocery store down the road from the Daylesford railway station and next door to Wombat nursery.
CERES Cafe serving sensational organic food and wine in an urban bush setting.
Rod Barbey and the team at Bcoz Organic Dining were leading campaign supporters. Bcoz shares a culture of caring about the environment and a belief that restaurants and cafes can assist in spreading the message to local communities.
Photos from flickr that are tagged 'Melbourne', 'cafe' and 'water'.
Who was behind it?
Drink For Change is brought to you by Grow Me The Money, a free program helping Victorian businesses save money and reduce their impact on the environment.
