Future Cairns: Wellness Embodied shows way for net zero push among Cairns small businesses

Cairns’ rapidly growing healthcare sector poses a new challenge to a net zero future. But this Far North business has found a way to reduce emissions. How they’re doing it.

HEALTHCARE accounts for seven per cent of Australia’s emissions, but one Far North operator is showing how it can make a world of difference.

“Healthcare is the biggest growth industry … no other sector comes close,” Demographics Group director Simon Kuestenmacher said.

“Cairns is an ageing town, so healthcare will become a bigger part of the economy but will also be a bigger polluter.

Simon Kuestenmacher, director of research at analysis firm The Demographics Group. Picture: supplied

“When you have more immediate things to worry about, like an ageing population but no one to look after it, people won’t care whether (healthcare) is a polluting sector or not.

“It’s difficult to green your economy when things are going downhill.”

Cairns physiotherapy business Wellness Embodied is not only showing that it cares about its footprint, but also showing others how to reduce emissions.

“Sustainability is one of our key values; our vision is to make Cairns the healthiest city in Australia,” owner Suzanne Rath said.

Cairns business woman Suzanne Rath, owner of Wellness Embodied, is taking every possible step to be more sustainable, such as using TerraCycle bins to repurpose waste. Picture: Brendan Radke

“Pharmaceuticals cause a lot of emissions. We offer nonpharmaceutical, exercised-based therapy to reduce the amount of pain medication our clients need to take.

“We have solar on some of our practices and have also installed the most energy efficient lighting.

“We’ve also made sure to divert most of our waste away from landfill by minimising plastics, doing bin audits and using TerraCycle bins.”

Mr Kuestenmacher said Wellness Embodied’s example can make a world of difference.

“This falls back into Cairns’ brand,” he said.

“Having a future-focused brand is crucial.”

Originally published as Future Cairns: Wellness Embodied shows way for net zero push among Cairns small businesses