Launching a small, kind step at checkout

Sep 11, 2025by Abel Butler

I care deeply about our planet’s health, our ecosystems, and the conservation of Australia’s magnificent native forests and unique wildlife. I know you do too.

Every parcel we send has a footprint. So we’re doing something simple and real: showing estimated delivery emissions at checkout, making a small climate contribution from us, and inviting you to chip in if you’d like.

Starting this week, we’ve added a climate contribution feature at checkout on floraandfauna.com.au.

You’ll see an estimate of the delivery-related emissions for your order, and you’ll have the option to add a small contribution that supports on-the-ground climate and biodiversity work in Australia. We’ll also be contributing on our side.

This isn’t marketing spin, and it’s not a “carbon neutral” claim. It’s a practical, transparent step we can take now, while we keep doing the harder work to reduce our footprint over time.

How the estimate works (and why Express usually emits more)

We estimate delivery emissions using the GLEC Framework (Global Logistics Emissions Council). In plain terms, the model looks at:

the weight of the products in your cart,
the distance from our Sydney warehouse to your address, and
the shipping method you choose.

Road and rail freight is generally less emissions-intensive per kilometre than air, so Express services often carry a higher carbon load than Standard.

The estimate you see is just that, an estimate, but it’s built on an open, widely used methodology rather than guesswork.

What we’ve chosen to support

Your contribution supports the Sunnyside Permanent Planting Project in Western Australia, delivered by Carbon Neutral in partnership with Gondwana Link and with strong First Nations involvement.

Sunnyside protects 560 hectares of established eucalypt plantation from being cleared or harvested, transitioning it to a permanent, biodiverse forest as part of a much larger habitat corridor in the Southwest Australia Ecoregion, one of only 36 global biodiversity hotspots. The project area and its surrounding bush support 300+ native plant species, including 13 listed as conservation priorities, with connected habitat across 750+ hectares. Wildlife recorded on or near the property includes Gilbert’s Potoroo and the Western Ground Parrot (both critically endangered), as well as Quokka, Malleefowl, Black-gloved Wallaby, Western Bristlebird, and Carnaby’s Cockatoo.

Equally important to us is who is involved and how. Sunnyside’s design and day-to-day work include Noongar participation: seed cleaning and preparation, restoration mapping with culturally informed track placement, observation of bush-tucker species, and development of companion planting techniques that integrate bush foods without compromising the carbon status of the existing plantation.

What this feature is — and isn’t

A way to contribute: It lets us, and customers who wish to, fund climate and biodiversity action linked to delivery emissions.
Not a “neutrality” claim: We’re not saying a small checkout contribution neutralises an order. We avoid “offset” and “carbon positive” language because it can oversimplify complex systems.
One part of a bigger plan: We’re continuing to reduce emissions in our operations, packaging, and transport choices. This is a supporting step, not the finish line.

Practical choices you can make at checkout

Choose Standard when timing allows. Standard is more likely to travel by road or rail, where Express can often involve air segments.
Add your contribution if you’d like to support Sunnyside’s restoration and biodiversity work.

More info:

How much is the contribution?

It’s not typically a large amount relative to the total order value, but is specific to each order based on weight, distance and shipping method – along with the cost of Sunnyside credits. We show our best estimate of this at checkout, and this is also the amount we pay directly ourselves – offering you the chance to match it if you like.

Where is the Sunnyside Project?

Near Wellstead in the Great Southern region of Western Australia, roughly 100 km north-east of Albany, within the Gondwana Link corridor.

Why this project in particular?

Sunnyside clearly meets three criteria that matter to us:

Biodiversity — diverse native species and critical habitat, not a monoculture.
Permanence and protection — stopping land from being cleared or harvested is a meaningful climate outcome.
First Nations partnership — existing involvement and a pathway toward long-term stewardship.

Are the carbon credits independently verified?

Yes. Sunnyside generates ACCUs under the federal scheme, with external audit, public registration, and methodology oversight.

Is it available for international orders?

It’s only available for Australian orders at this stage.

A personal note

I care deeply about native forests and threatened species. Projects like Sunnyside connect climate action with real places, real communities, and the species that depend on them. For me, that’s the kind of work worth backing.

If you have thoughts, questions, or better ideas, we’re listening. In the meantime, thank you for choosing Flora & Fauna, and for considering a small climate contribution at checkout. Small, kind steps add up.

— Abel