Roots of Change: How Byron Businesses are Restoring Nature
Image by Carbon Positive Australia
Story and photos by Lauren Purcell
Head of Communications, Engagement & Marketing at Carbon Positive Australia
In partnership with environmental non-profit Carbon Positive Australia, forward-thinking businesses across the beautiful Byron region and surrounding areas are stepping up to support reforestation efforts. They’re helping restore ecosystems, capture carbon and create a thriving environment for generations to come.
These organisations aren't just giving back to nature - they're showing that business and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand. From cafés to retail stores, wellness brands to surf shops, Byron's business community proves that even small steps can make a big impact.
Keep reading to discover more about Carbon Positive Australia, our work in establishing a koala corridor, the local businesses making a difference and how your business can get involved in growing a greener future.
About Carbon Positive Australia
At Carbon Positive Australia, we use nature as our guide to plant and deliver ecologically sensitive revegetation projects across Australia. We are dedicated to restoring and preserving our much-loved Australian environment through projects that help restore landscapes and biodiversity.
Our projects are about more than carbon offsets - they’re about meaningful restoration. One of them is well underway at Nimbin, on Widjabul Country.
Restoring a Koala Corridor in Northern NSW
Most of Northern NSW, including Nimbin, was originally covered by lush subtropical rainforest and sclerophyll eucalypt forests known as ‘The Big Scrub.’
The Big Scrub is a big deal that has been dealt some big losses. With only 1% of this diverse ecosystem left, we have some work to do. The remnants are home to:
61 threatened species of fauna;
9 of which are classified as endangered and include our beloved koala;
38 species of flora;
19 of which are classified as endangered.
Restoring the Big Scrub is crucial, and in 2020, after the black summer bushfires, our donors called for us to help restore the east coast. An opportunity to plant koala habitat in Nimbin arose, allowing us to work with local contractors to restore part of The Big Scrub region.
In 2021, we began planting to restore 33 hectares in partnership with Future Forests. This land was previously used for grazing cattle and had been extensively cleared. Our goal was to create a corridor between two national parks, increase habitat for endangered species, including our beloved koala, increase stocking in the dry rainforest area and encourage further natural regeneration.
In 2022, despite the challenges posed by significant flooding in northern NSW, Sam and the team from Future Forests persevered. The floods made the terrain particularly hard to navigate, especially on the steep, muddy slopes where even 4WD vehicles struggled.
To navigate these struggles Sam and his team invested in an ATV, ensuring they could continue the work. By the end of the year more than 69,000 seedlings, with over 104 species including five Acacias, 5 Eucalypts, 2 Casuarinas, and 92 other native species had been planted.
The flooding events of that year were significant for the region, impacting many communities and projects. The resilience and determination demonstrated by Sam and the Future Forests team highlights their commitment to environmental restoration.
In May 2023, we ran a biodiversity survey of the site, and the results were exciting.
Koalas spotted: the survey revealed the presence of koalas on-site.
Threatened species identified: more than 30 threatened flora and fauna species were found within a 10km radius.
In November 2023, our second annual monitoring assessment showed just how well the trees were doing.
Incredible survival rate: 97% of the trees planted had survived, proving just how resilient they are.
By November 2024, our third annual monitoring assessment has revealed even further progress.
The landscape is transforming: the site now has an average of 2,142 trees per hectare.
The sky is the limit: tree height has increased by 94% since planting.
A thriving mix of species: each survey plot had around 24 different species - boosting biodiversity.
We are thankful to our planting partners, Sam from Future Forests and Jason Rawnsley of Wanganui Green, for assisting with this monitoring.
The success of this project, and all of our restoration projects, is only possible through the generosity of our donors, many of whom are based in the Byron region. These businesses, along with individuals, play a crucial role in restoring landscapes, capturing carbon and supporting biodiversity.
How Byron Businesses Are Making a Big Impact
Businesses of all sizes have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to environmental restoration. Whether through financial support, in-kind donations, workplace giving or raising awareness, every contribution helps us continue our work in restoring degraded land and ultimately creating a healthier planet.
Here are just a few of the Byron-based brands and organisations making a difference:
Deiji Studios
Founded in 2016 by Juliette Harkness and Emma Nelson, Deiji Studios is a Byron brand built on a deep commitment to sustainability, ethics and timeless design. With a focus on creating pieces that blend effortless style with environmental responsibility, Deiji Studios aims to contribute to a more positive future in fashion.
Sustainability is at the core of everything they do. From mindful material selection to responsible production practices, Deiji Studios ensures that every piece they create is one they would love and wear for years to come. Their philosophy is simple: produce with purpose, release only what truly resonates and design with longevity in mind.
Their dedication extends beyond their own brand. Since 2020, Deiji Studios has partnered with Carbon Positive Australia to offset their entire carbon dioxide, and by 2022, their donations exceeded the carbon dioxide they consumed. They continue to push towards a zero-waste future, refining their manufacturing processes to ensure all design elements are recyclable and biodegradable.
Learn more about Deiji Studios and their mission here.
Instagram: @deijistudios
IMBIBE
Founded by Felicity Evans, Imbibe is a Byron-based clean beauty brand dedicated to delivering exceptional beauty, wellness and vitality through 100% clean formulations. Trusted by doctors, clinical nutritionists and aestheticians, Imbibe combines clinical-level actives with natural ingredients to achieve transformative results.
Sustainability is at the forefront of Imbibe's product decisions. On Earth Day 2024, they partnered with Carbon Positive Australia, planting a tree for every order to honour their commitment to a greener future. In 2025, Imbibe joined the "Plant the Seed" partnership, supporting native tree planting projects and reinforcing their dedication to environmental stewardship.
Learn more about Imbibe and their mission here.
Instagram: @imbibeliving
Three Blue Ducks
Born from a shared passion for surfing, travel and ethical food, Three Blue Ducks began when three friends returned to Bronte, Sydney, after global adventures. Their vision was clear: to create a dining experience that was both delicious and sustainable. Over time, their team expanded, and so did their reach. Today, Three Blue Ducks boasts venues in Bronte, Byron Bay, Rosebery, Melbourne, Nimbo and Bellingen.
Their commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of their operations. In 2024, they partnered with Carbon Positive Australia to plant a tree for every guest attending EOFY functions, directly contributing to reforestation and land restoration projects across the country. This initiative not only planted trees but engaged their community in meaningful environmental action.
Learn more about Three Blue Ducks and their mission here.
Instagram: @threeblueducks
If you’re a part of a business that wants to make a difference, you can. As the above businesses prove, there are so many ways to get involved. You can plant a tree for every order or service, donate a percentage of sales, support us on key environmental dates with marketing campaigns or spread the word on your social channels.
Our team is on hand to help businesses of all sizes at every stage of their climate journey. Whether you’re just beginning to explore sustainability initiatives or looking to expand on your existing efforts, we offer tailored solutions to help you achieve your environmental goals.
We can’t do it alone, and we’d love to have you on board.
The Big Scrub needs us to make big moves together.
If you are interested in making an impact contact Lauren Purcell at lauren@carbonpositiveautsralia.org.au.
Meet Lauren Purcell
Lauren is the Head of Communications, Engagement & Marketing for Carbon Positive Australia. Passionate about our natural world and driven by a sense of responsibility to care for the environment, she hopes to inspire others to do the same. Through engagement with brands and organisations, she helps drive sustainability initiatives, encouraging collective responsibility for a healthier planet.
An advocate for ethics and sustainability, Lauren finds joy in WA’s wildflowers, photography, poetry and art. You’ll most often find her by the ocean, practicing yoga or hiking.