High quality work with an ethic to match

When we first spoke to Fallon about reviewing The Little Hire Co, she was hesitant about having her business examined for its environmental impact. Having been in business for over 10 years, Fallon has created a company which hires out a carefully curated collection of items for weddings and events in Christchurch and the greater South Island. Now a seasoned business owner, she has seen the trends and fads of the styling industry over the years and has refined her business model to become a leader in the industry. Up until now, her business and purchasing decisions have been made with a economic lens, rather than environmental. For most businesses, you wouldn’t be wrong in assuming the environment would therefore come out second best, however in Fallon’s case, her eye for detail, desire for quality, and savvy business sense has meant she has managed to have a surprisingly light environmental footprint without initially realising it.

Fallon chooses to invest in furniture items that are both high quality and adaptable. She specifically chooses to use materials which are durable and high quality, so that they naturally have a longer lifespan than a product which is made cheaply and cuts corners. Choosing high quality materials also means that they’re worth repairing, and are easily touched up when they inevitably get bumped and scraped. Though the furniture is made overseas, she chooses to repair upholstery or recoat metal work locally in Christchurch. The furniture pieces are also interchangeable to cut down on shipping costs and increase variety without needing unnecessary items, such as mix and match high tables which can have a different coloured table top or stand depending on your event.

Waste at The Little Hire Co is minimal due to valuable resource it naturally provides. Packing material from any new shipments is reused as wrapping for hire items, or given to a local flower farm for boxing their flowers. Linen napkins and tablecloths too stained or damaged to hire out, become cleaning cloths and drop cloths around the showroom. Burnt candles from events are reused again where suitable, and any chipped vases are used for dried floral arrangements which cover the flaw. For any items which come to the end of their hiring life or are no longer required, The Little Hire Co hold a garage sale open to the public for people to grab themselves a bargain and get some more enjoyment out of it. Fallon’s refusal to throw away items at the first sign of damage or imperfection is a testament to her commitment to reducing waste in both an environmental and economic sense.

My conversation with Fallon at The Little Hire Co showroom was such a positive and enlightening experience. I am always intrigued learning about the behind the inner workings of a business that you wouldn’t otherwise see. Working through the different areas of the business sparked organic conversation on RAD things they were already doing, and prompted new ideas to further reduce their environmental footprint and increase their social impact. This fresh outlook emphasises the value of stepping back and examining things from a different point of view.

My conversation with Fallon left us both feeling inspired and fulfilled. The suggestions that came out of our conversation did not require costly economic investment, only a shift in mindset and habits that are highly achievable. Fallon's business review highlighted the concept that many owners out there are already doing RAD things without even realising it.

Our goal is to help you recognise the positive actions you're already taking and provide guidance for further steps in supporting the planet and its people, while still remaining a profitable business.

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