'Industrya' gives back to the environment

Dec 20, 2005

A new children's book created by a group of University of Wollongong postgraduate students about making science fun has proven a success with all copies of the book selling out since its launch in October.

However, its writers and producers have not forgotten to repay their 'debt' to the environment and last week planted three yellow ash trees near the University of Wollongong's duck pond lawn in order to replace the trees that were used to produce copies of the popular publication.

The company 'Industrya' was developed this year with the aim to produce books to teach children about biotechnology.

It is part of the Young Achievement Australia (YAA) biotechnology entrepreneur program and involves students from the disciplines of Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Nutrition, Commerce, Psychology and Marketing.

Competing against other universities around Australia, Industrya's mission is to trade as an ethically sound company while maintaining its competitive edge in the business world. All proceeds and wages from Industrya are donated to charity.

The company allows the UOW student directors and employees to explore the processes involved in establishing, running and liquidating a company. The students use their existing skills and knowledge as well as newly acquired proficiencies to grow the company within the Wollongong community.

The University of Wollongong achieved state-wide recognition as the first university to pilot the entrepreneur program and one of its members, PhD student Karen Walton, was recently named the NSW Biotechnology Entrepreneur of the Year.

Marketing Director of Industrya, Yasmine Probst, said the yellow ash tree planting exercise felt rewarding and was a great way to finish of a very successful year.

“The concept of tree planting was to make a contribution to Industry's own 'triple bottom line' within which the financial, social and environmental performance of the company are addressed.”

“The saplings were kindly donated by the Wollongong Botanic Gardens and in time should grow into eight to 10 metre trees.”

All profits reaped from their successful book venture will also be donated to the Children's Ward at Wollongong hospital tomorrow (Wednesday 21 December). A cheque valued at $2000 will be handed over and used by the hospital to purchase much needed equipment and toys for the children.