More than 2100 Australian companies and businesses have pledged support for student-led climate strikes - among them several in Bega.
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In doing so, they are adding strong voices to the call for government action on climate change - and forgoing income in the process.
Cafe Evolve, Candelo Books, Red Cafe and Candelo Bulk Wholefoods are all speaking out in support of the strike action, taking place on Friday, September 20.
Do you know more? Email ben.smyth@begadistrictnews.com.au
Peter Haggar of Cafe Evolve said once you accept the science of a changing climate, "business as usual is not an option".
"Business as usual is essentially a denial of the science," he said.
"It makes sense to alter business practices and part of that is to support actions like today's."
READ MORE: Worldwide call to action on climate change
Marianna Ypma from Candelo Books said when the suggestion was raised she and Myoung closed their business for two hours over lunch Friday, "the knee-jerk reaction was 'no way'".
"But the more we thought about it, it felt appropriate. We think it's a very important issue and one of us has attended all the previous strikes while the other stayed in the shop.
"The numbers at the protest could be the only thing to affect change because nothing else seems to."
Ms Ypma said she has already felt the effects on business due to a changing climate.
"After the Tathra fire we had zero customers for days. Missing out on an hour or so today to support such a worthwhile cause seems preferable to losing customers for much longer due to the effects of climate change."
Mr Haggar agreed. He and partner Anna have been pushing for more sustainable business practices over many years.
"We're always composting and looking at ways to reduce our waste. Actually 'redefine waste' is a better phrase to use. That's a continual process.
"And it dovetails nicely with action like today's.
"The important thing about today is that is action from the grassroots up. You don't get much more grassroots than students, and we are a grassroots, community business.
"On my death bed I want to know I was on the right side of history, the right side of the argument."
Ben Smyth
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
