Our Woman of The Moment is the inspiring Stephanie Perry, read on to find out more!
1. Describe yourself in 3 words?
Caring. Determined. Workaholic.
2. Tell us a little about the work you do, or your organisation/company/group and the kinds of things/projects that you’re working on at the moment?
I run a blog called love local which is all about supporting small local businesses. My aim is to shine a light on some of the amazing small businesses that are out there and what they offer. Love local was founded out of the frustration I found as a small business owner with the lack of support and networking sites dedicated to the consumer who loves to shop locally and also to the local business owner. I wanted to bring attention to small businesses and what they can offer.
As well as love local, I own a very small fruit and vegetable delivery business in Sydney called Veg Out Sydney. Before love local was born, I was constantly trying to connect with other businesses and individuals who are as passionate as I am about buying locally. This is how love local was born. For as long as I can remember I have always shopped locally, supported Australian businesses and more importantly Australian made products.
I think I've learnt this from my beautiful mother who has always insisted on Australian made or locally grown products. In terms of what I am working on at the moment, I am also coordinating a project which is all about creating awareness of the damage that plastic is doing to the environment. I can't say too much as its still a work in progress, but this is something I am terribly passionate about.
3. What inspires you?
Other people. I genuinely love to meet, chat and help other people. I find my daily inspiration in just sparking conversations. You never know what a simple hello can lead to!
4. Is there an experience or time in your life that has truly changed the way you live?
Yes. One of my first memories is of my mum driving me to the local recycling plant and making me get out and help her unload all of our plastics and paper into big bins at the depot, which we did every Friday afternoon. Back then (its not that long ago, but around 25 years ago) there weren't recycling bins at homes (well not in the coastal town I was living in). I don't know why I remember this so clearly but it has always stuck with me. Another thing that has cemented how important it is to live a sustainable life, has been having my own two children in the last few years. I am determined that they be as educated I was from an early age about the environment and how important it is to leave a minimal footprint.
5. What do you think are the unique strengths of women in taking action on climate change and living better for the planet?
Women natural born ‘carers’. We care for our kids. We care for each other. We generally always put others needs before our own. We want to do the best job we can and make the right choices. We also are largely responsible for most household purchases so I believe we have a responsibility to educate one another on ethical ways to shop, and to make environmentally-respectful household decisions. Our children are products of their upbringing, so I think it’s crucial that we give them an understanding of how small day-to-day choices can impact on the world around us. Generally women also don’t mind having a chat and passing on helpful tips and information to one another – so I think it is important to just get the conversation started!
6. Do you have a message or a tip for our 1 Million Women community about how to live by the principle that 'less is more’?
My message is to try and shop locally wherever you can. Buy only what you need. Many products that are available for us to buy, travel a long way to get to us. This has a detrimental effect on the environment. If we can support local businesses and buy locally made or grown items, this reduces our carbon footprint.