Image courtest of Charlie Cornelius/Iglu Organic Restaurant
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Today, we're going to meet Charlie Cornelius from Edinburgh in Scotland. He recently turned Iglu, the bar he has owned for several years, into an organic and local food restaurant. It has consequently been receiving rave reviews and nominations for animal welfare awards. How did Charlie become a Change Maker?My name is: Charlie Cornelius
I live in: Edinburgh, Scotland
I work at: Iglu a restaurant specialising in organic, wild, and local produce.
I used to work at: the same place, but Iglu used to be a style bar with basic bar food.
The reason I changed my business is: my priorities in life changed and I started eating organic food which started my interest in sustainable food produce.
With my business I am aiming to: do what I can for people and planet whilst earning a few bucks. We want to re-connect people with food. We are starting a series of food supplier nights when local suppliers will inform our staff and clientel on why it tastes so good, and what techniques they use to reduce the impact on the environment.
The most important eco aspect of my work is: a holistic approach to food. We try to create dishes with a free conscience. I believe that a free conscience is the key to good health. Wellbeing. Being well does not just come from what we eat in terms of no chemicals and fresh produce, but more importantly, we must work to reduce our levels of stress by working to reduce our subconscious guilt.
I am excited by what I am doing now because: to quote someone else: "A meaningful life is from a life of meaning' and I am excited to be on a mission. It gives me great satisfaction to be making way for what I hope will once again become the norm regarding using local healthy food.
The most challenging part of my work is: making a profit! Learning how to inspire and create more rewarding roles for my team. We are into an enjoyable part of the journey.
The most rewarding part of my work is: winning awards and praise from clients. Recently we were nominated for a good business award from the RSPCA for animal welfare. We like to know that all of our meat and dairy produce comes from happy animals. Last month we closed the restaurant for the night and took all staff to some local organic farms for an educational, followed by a campfire and local cider.
The results I really want to see are: £££ from doing the right thing.
I work in another business: as a director of a tour company Going Forth, giving people a great experience of the culinary delights, history and scenery of Scotland. I also have an interest in the ground breaking food nutrition company Stargate Nutrition.
I was first made aware of environmental issues: by my teachers who made us pretty aware of it. The Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales made in impression at age 5. My granddad had a Land Environment and Farming (LEAF) model farm in Yorkshire where I am from. My brother-in-law, who lives an organic lifestyle in New Zealand, definitely had an influence.
One thing I do everyday is: recycle. All of our glass and cardboard is recycled. There are some great new organic Scottish premium lagers and local ciders which also help reduce the amount of glass waste.
One thing I do every week is: go through the local suppliers and order our ingredients from the nearest suppliers, organic where possible. It has been quite a mission to get regular enough supplies, because in Scotland most organic producers only deliver once per week for organic shops and the farmers market.
I wish I could: have more cash to invest in air source heat pumps, wind, and solar. We do use a lot of electricity though it is from a green supplier. We hope to start off-setting our gas soon through Climate Change Scotland.
I think everyone can: choose to do their bit if given the knowledge and skills. We don't like to preach too much, but feel we should provide information on what we are doing.
Change Makers is series of interviews with people famous and obscure, who answer questions about how they are creating a more sustainable world through their work and personal lives. Meet more Change Makers here.
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