Sustainability Champion: An Interview with Kourosh Darvish
Sue Surjupersad, RTL's Marketing and Product Manager, who also leads the Communications Strategy for RTL’s sustainability efforts has been sitting down with the
lead members of the sustainability crew, to gain insights into their work and vision for the future. These interviews provide a behind-the-scenes look at how RTL's Sustainability initiatives are shaping the company and the personal journeys of those driving this important work. At a time when market pressures have created additional challenges, these important conversations aim to check in on our team, appreciate their efforts, and remind everyone of the fire and passion that sparked this journey in the first place. Thanks to Kourosh Darvish for taking the time to have a chat!
How has being part of the sustainability strategy team impacted your day to day life or changed your perspective on sustainability? Share an example if you have one 😊
I have definitely experienced growth on a personal level. I may not be getting everything 100% right but I am stopping and asking myself more and more if I am doing the right thing; particularly on recycling at home. I am also being more mindful about clothing consumption. Do I really need to buy a new piece of clothing? Can I reuse this or extend the life of the clothing item? On a personal level in terms of skills, my being on the sustainability group has encouraged me to book a sewing course with Made For You in Tāmaki Makaurau. I want to learn some tips on alteration and potentially hand-made gifts which are more meaningful during the festive season. This really started for me from the Sustainability initiative at work.
Can you describe a time when a team member's unique background or viewpoint led to an important breakthrough or new idea for the sustainability initiative? What did you learn from that experience?
One of my team members seems to be more open to look outside at other companies and other influential organisations for inspiration and idea generation. This is a fresh approach and encourages us not to be too internally focused, only relying on ourselves for concepts or actions in this space and in general work. It’s also the willingness to do the little things, that make a big impactful difference in our everyday lives – for example we recently held a clothing swap which was inspired by sustainability groups who are already active.
Imagine it's five years from now - what's one ambitious yet achievable sustainability goal you'd like to see RTL accomplish?
I would love to see our freight go totally GREEN. I would also like to us to have a GREEN fleet or Green Transport options for staff like subsidised public transport as an example.
Find the Made For You contact details here for their sewing classes suitable for beginners :)
