GROWING FOR GOOD
Reducing and reusing this precious resource
WATER
100% of Spier’s black and grey wastewater is recycled using a centralised wastewater treatment plant installed in 2007. The environmentally-friendly plant has the capacity to process up to 1 million litres at any given time, and the clean water is then used for flushing in the washrooms and to irrigate gardens and lawns on the property.
Teaching the value of waste
It’s Sorted
100% of our organic waste is transformed into organic, nutrient-rich fertiliser and more than 97% of our solid waste is recycled. In our goal to push this to 100%, our It’s Sorted training programme teaches our staff on an ongoing basis about the value of recycling and how to reduce waste to landfill.
An ethical supply chain
SOURCING RESPONSIBLY
We ensure integrity throughout our supply chain by monitoring the agreed commitments in our Spier Supplier Ethical Code of Conduct, which includes compliance with all relevant labour, health and safety and environmental legislation.
Growing trees in exchange for life-changing support
Tree-preneurs
Spier provides land, facilities and a manager to drive Tree-preneurs in the Cape. This project teaches members of impoverished communities how to care for indigenous plants. Once the seedlings they’ve been given to nurture are big enough, these are exchanged for food vouchers, clothing, bicycles, educational support and other essentials.
Living Soils Community Farm
Living Soils Community Farm
Based at Spier, this learning and demonstration farm produces nutritious food using eco-friendly regenerative farming methods while empowering a new generation of farmers.
Training for unemployed youth
Harambee youth employment accelerator
Spier recruits entry-level staff through Harambee, an initiative which sources, trains and places unemployed young people from disadvantaged backgrounds into their first jobs. We are working closely with Harambee to help grow the initiative in the Cape.
A NEW GENERATION OF GROWERS TAKES ROOT
GROWING FOOD
In our food gardens, Megan McCarthy teaches members of disadvantaged local communities how to grow fruit, herbs and vegetables (and more)! using eco-friendly and regenerative techniques. Seeds and training have also been given to 11 vulnerable families in nearby Lynedoch who have started their own food gardens at home.
Practical experience for new entrants to the wine industry
Pinotage Youth Development Academy
Spier is a participating employer in the Pinotage Youth Development Academy which seeks to educate and employ disadvantaged youth in the wine industry. Practical work experience is provided at Spier in various aspects of the business. On average we mentor four students per module, for the duration of the programme.
Equipping young bright minds
SPIER SUPPORTS PACK FOR A PURPOSE
The Pack for a Purpose invites visitors to Spier to fill spare space in their luggage with much-needed books, stationery and other educational supplies for disadvantaged young students. The items are donated to a local community school and library.
Empowering staff to make a positive difference
Love the Land
Because each employee is an ambassador for Spier and its values, every new member of our team participates in a five-day training course that explores environmental and social challenges. The course forges an understanding of the role our employees can play in a global society, encouraging them to create a positive and meaningful impact as 'agents of change'.
Artistic collaborations in the ancient art of mosaic
Artisan Studio
This studio facilitates collaborations between artists and ceramic and mosaic artisans – thereby nourishing the talent and economic viability of practitioners in both mediums. It’s also home to an apprenticeship programme. In addition to its Cape Town HQ, the studio has a satellite space at Spier.
Helping local start-ups thrive
Growing businesses
Spier helps entrepreneurs — many of the former employees — to launch and successfully run their own small businesses. The range of support we offer these start-ups includes mentorship, finance, equipment and facilities. Purchasing guarantees at launch also provide the entrepreneurs with the income they need to get their businesses up and running.
Conserving wildlife through education
Eagle Encounters
Spier supports Eagle Encounters by donating land, electricity and water for its facilities. Visitors to this raptor rehabilitation, conservation and education project based at Spier can interact with birds of prey, and learn about out how these magnificent animals keep ecosystems healthy and balanced.