"In 2008 an estimated 65 billion plastic bags were produced.
Of these, less than 6 percent are recycled – meaning the majority are dumped back into the environment, threatening our ecosystem and increasing the chances of a global warming disaster.
Luckily, in 2009 seventeen Year 10 Hale students formed ‘Futya’ (pronounced future), a Young Achievement Australia company aimed at reducing our impact on the environment. Together we generated the idea of stylish environmental green bags, similar in size and shape to the ones purchased from major supermarket chains, but with visually attractive designs and colours.
After nearly 5 months of planning, our group of young business men began selling the product at the annual Young Achievers Australia Trade Expo, in Fremantle on Sunday September 13. We set up alongside nearly twenty other competing companies from various schools, and showcased our product in the hope of attracting interested customers.
After a slow start, and some changes to the sales techniques, the bags began to sell, and we began to see our months of hard work pay off. Customers and judges alike were interested in the product, and were particularly eager to hear about the production process, how Futya is carbon neutral and how we donate a portion of profits to charity.
From here we will begin selling within the Hale School community and at public locations such as the Subiaco markets. We have learned from our first public opening, realising the importance of hard work and organisation, and are looking forward to gaining many more valuable business skills from the Young Achievement program as it progresses. Look out for our bag for sale in the Uniform shop.
Thanks to Miss Harden for her guidance and support." - Preston Sudlow Managing Director "Futya"
The YAA boys at the trade Expo in Fremantle
Preston Sudlow and Luke Yeo
