Discover How King Island’s Original Distillery Became a Sustainability Leader
Giday GINthusiasts!
Happy Heidi, the heart and soul behind King Island Distillery, is very GINcited to share some milestone news: I’ve just been awarded the prestigious Eco Star Accreditation for my business, King Island Distillery Pty Ltd, which I established in 2014! This recognition is a testament to my unwavering commitment to sustainable practices, native habitat protection and responsible tourism, and most importantly, because I love doing it!!!
Commitment to Sustainability
From day one, sustainability has guided everything I do at King Island Distillery. Starting from my native planting projects to waste repurposing, every step is aimed at protecting this incredible island we love to call home.
Native Planting Building Strength On King Island Coastal Dunes
For each bottle of the first ever released King Island Gin, called Native Gin, I grow and plant native pigface along King Island’s coastline. These tough, resilient plants help slow coastal erosion, stabilise shifting sand dunes and support our island’s rich biodiversity. It’s my way of giving back to nature and connecting our visitors and customers directly to the land.
Repurposing and Waste Reduction
Miss GINdependent 100% local business owner, Happy Heidi, loves to wear a tiara as Queen of repurposing with GINthusiasm! From recycled filing cabinets to transformed botanical bi-products and leftovers, we focus on minimising waste while making our spirits and operations as eco-friendly as possible. Every artisan King Island Distillery spirit bottle is handcrafted, by local owner and distiller Happy Heidi, with respect for the land and our commitment to a low-carbon footprint never wavers.
Supporting Local Communities
Being a proud native Islander, I believe in supporting our community wholeheartedly. My passion is sourcing local botanicals, buying rainwater from King Island Cloud Juice and supporting local businesses. These partnerships strengthen our community spirit and showcase the best of King Island.
Educating and Inspiring Others
Sharing our sustainability journey is essential. During tours, tastings and across social media, I love engaging with visitors and encouraging responsible choices, because every small action can lead to big change.
What the Eco Star Means
Earning the Eco Star Accreditation is a proud milestone, and I am so grateful to Quality Tourism Australia for awarding King Island Distillery with this prestigious recognition. Thank you.
It confirms that Happy Heidi’s King Island Distillery adheres to the highest environmental standards, protecting our land, supporting our community and practising a responsible, locally owned and operated manufacturing operation.
Join Happy Heidi's King Island Distillery Journey
Together, we can make a difference. By planting natives, sipping Happy Heidi’s King Island Distillery spirits, liqueurs and cocktails and telling our spirited stories, every effort counts!!! I invite you to join me on my journey toward a sustainable future, one bottle, one plant and one smile at a time.
Thank you for your ongoing support and love. Your GINcouragement keeps my spirits high and my cause strong.
Stay GINtastic and Earth-loving my friends!
Happy Cheers always
♡ hh♡ (happy heidi with ♡)
Heidi Weitjens
100% local owner and artisan distiller
King Island Distillery P/L est. 2014
Quality Tourism Australia EcoStar Accreditation demonstrates that a business meets the highest level of environmental management over and above Sustainable Tourism accreditation requirements.
The program covers best practices for tourism businesses across key aspects of ecotourism, including:
- Environmental Impact Management
- Conservation and Sustainability Contribution
- Promotion that Reflects Environmental Values
- Environmental Risk Management
- Community Engagement and Benefit
- Cultural and Heritage Recognition
Attract eco-conscious visitors by earning recognition for your sustainable practices and contributing to long-term environmental preservation."
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