In the heart of my life’s work lies a profound commitment to sustainability. It’s a journey that has taken me from the intimate corners of my home to the expansive fields of regenerative farming, shaping my businesses, including the cherished Little House Republic, along the way. Each step, each decision, has been a stepping stone towards a greener, more sustainable future for me and my family.
Back in my childhood and teenage years, I never had new clothes; second-hand was the only way I dressed. It was out of necessity and survival. I even wore an op shop dress to my Year 10 formal. When I was 17, I taught myself to sew and began a journey into the textile and fashion arena. My father-in-law used to joke about my box of old fabrics, dubbing it “Tracey’s Folly”.
I wasn’t interested in new fabrics but in repurposing the old and went on to study in a world that, at the time, thought second-hand was manky, old, and only for poor people. I developed sustainable ways to dye jeans and old curtains that became ball gowns and stage wear for my former career at the time, playing keyboards and saxophone in a band. As I went into my 20s and 30s, I still made my own clothes along with my children’s and husband’s – well received, I might add, in the playground as designer wear. If this was now, I would have been part of the very trendy sustainable fashion movement. If only we had had social media then!
I began to detest plastic with a passion and lamented the onslaught of everything new that came packaged in this way. I still do. But I never really thought about it in terms of my home or anything else until I started creating home décor items for a party plan business. At this time, I realised that as the business grew, the expectation was that packaging grew with it and was part of the enjoyment for many people. If it wasn’t well packaged and pretty to boot, then what was it really worth? It was also part of its protection, which at that time was needed for delivering products globally. Such a waste, and something that thankfully is now turning around. Too little, too late in my opinion.
In the late ’90s, I became extremely unwell and had to take time off from my many entrepreneurial pursuits. I started studying business at Curtin University and began my journey into the education space, which actually I’ve never truly left. From student to teacher in just a year, producing the Award-winning Advantage program, which took students all over the world to start their innovation journeys, I had the privilege of being part of the lives of many. Sustainability was still part of my psyche but just on the edges. I did my bit but did not talk about it with others.
The Learning Curve: Southern Dirt, The Future Food Network, and Regenerative Farming
In 2015, my journey took an exciting turn with my involvement in Southern Dirt, a research organisation, where I delved into the world of farming. At this time, I had no concrete knowledge of how our food was produced or its environmental impact. It was this hazy, nebulous fog in the background where meat was a sanitised supermarket experience and fruit, veg, grains etc., came in packages – mostly plastic, of course. However, I had become increasingly aware of climate change and, with the births of my grandchildren, found myself feeling more and more responsible for leaving our planet in a mess. I had the proverbial mind shift and decided that I had to do better and be better and find others to help with the cause. This experience was eye-opening, revealing the deep connections between how we cultivate our food and the health of our planet. It reinforced my belief that every choice, every action counts in the fight against climate change and environmental degradation.
This has carried on into my work with the Future Food Network, connecting farmers to value-add opportunities with a focus on regenerative and sustainable farming. And that includes how farmers can make money multiple ways and not just in the farming space. Off-grid environmentally friendly housing, new ways of packaging on-farm and so it goes on.
My home in the country was an extension of my newly formed perspective. Built on environmental principles, with sustainable wood, bamboo flooring, and as much technology as possible to rein in energy and water wastage. All the rubbish was repurposed to use in a variety of ways, throughout the shed, the building of a camper, and helping others in the community. My home became my laboratory, a place where small changes accumulated into significant impacts. This transformation wasn’t just about reducing waste or conserving energy but nurturing a space that resonated with the principles of sustainability at its core.
Downstairs, I have a beautiful space for short-term rental, marketed through various platforms like Airbnb and VRBO as well as through my own website, that has given me firsthand experience of what it is like to run a fully sustainable business. Everything was built as eco-friendly as possible, including a vanity that I refurbished, second-hand beds and cupboards, eco-friendly mattresses, low VOC paint, second-hand tiles and it goes on. I market it as sustainable and use only biodegradable cleaning and body products. It is a calm space for relaxation that I think comes about from starting with sustainability in mind.
Little House Republic: A Business Birthed from Belief
From the seeds of change sown in my own home and the learnings from Southern Dirt grew Little House Republic, a testament to my belief that business can be a powerful force for good. Together with a partner, I focused on creating a fully regenerative experience. Little House Republic stands as a beacon of what is possible when we design with nature in mind. I project-managed the building process and only chose the best most ecofriendly products for each tiny house. It’s more than just a place to stay; it’s an immersive experience into a lifestyle that honours our planet snuggled into a regenerative farming landscape. Of this, I am so proud. Now with new owners, I am looking forward to doing this again in another region.[/caption]
Having done so much research in the space, I decided that maybe it was time to really focus on how to help others become more sustainable in the tourism space. The tourism sector creates around a tenth of the greenhouse gas emissions that are driving the climate crisis, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. Practically half of all transport emissions stem from global tourism, other studies say. And total emissions from tourism are forecast to rise by a quarter between 2016 and 2030, says the UN World Tourism Organization. I have chosen to focus on accommodation, in particular, short-term accommodation as there is minimal information out there on this topic but there are millions of Airbnb on the market. Some hotels have adopted sustainable principles but generally we as hosts are generally not. That is because it is hard, confusing and seemingly expense. I am hear to tell you now that it can be done without being hugely expensive. You just need a guide.
A Voice for Sustainability: “Green Your Airbnb and Make More Money”
Fuelled by my desire to share these insights, I wrote “Green Your Airbnb and Make More Money,” a guide designed to empower hosts to start their sustainability journey. This book is far more than a handbook; it’s a clarion call, urging readers to rethink how they can transform their spaces into greener, more efficient, and ultimately, more inviting environments for guests. Alongside the book, I’ve developed a workbook that guides hosts step-by-step, leading them on the right path to sustainability.
Looking Ahead: “The Sustainable Traveller” and “The Sustainable Home”
My voyage into sustainability doesn’t end here. I’m in the midst of working on two thrilling projects: “The Sustainable Traveller” and “The Sustainable Home.” These upcoming books represent the sum of my experiences and discoveries, providing insights on how we all can adopt more sustainable practices in our travel and home life. They advocate for making mindful choices that not only benefit our planet but also ensure the beauty of the world we yearn to explore and the warmth of the homes we hold dear are safeguarded for future generations.
The Heart of the Matter
At its essence, my path to sustainability is driven by an intense passion to safeguard our planet and bequeath a legacy of goodwill to those I hold dear. This journey has revealed to me the significant impact of individual actions and the astounding power of collective endeavours. Through initiatives like Little House Republic, my collaborations in the farming space, and my literary contributions, I’ve come to understand that embracing sustainability is not merely a choice but a duty—a collective responsibility we all bear.
In every pursuit, from our farming practices to the ways we travel and live, we encounter opportunities to enact change. Let’s embrace these chances, shaping a future that is not only sustainable but also flourishing.
