Last Thursday afternoon, we swapped the office for the shoreline.
A group of us from the Flo & Frankie team headed to Kohi Beach in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, to join the Keep New Zealand Beautiful team for a beach clean-up. The sun was out, the tide was high, and the view across the water made you remember why it is worth looking after.
It was a simple thing, really. Gloves on, bags in hand, and a couple of hours of walking the beach together, picking up what did not belong there.
Small Actions, Real Impact
There is something grounding about doing something with your hands. No screens, no to-do lists, just a stretch of beach and a shared purpose.
Keep New Zealand Beautiful has been running community clean-ups across Aotearoa for decades, and being part of that felt meaningful. The litter we collected was the usual kind: plastic packaging, bottle caps, tangled bits of string, the small everyday items that find their way to the water's edge without anyone meaning them to.
"Walking away knowing the beach is a little cleaner than when we arrived, that stays with you." - Chloe, Marketing Manager at Flo & Frankie
That is the thing about this kind of action. It does not have to be grand to matter. It just has to happen.
Part of Something Bigger
At Flo & Frankie, caring for the planet is not a campaign. It is part of how we think about the decisions we make, from the brands we stock to the way we run our business day to day.
We are always looking for ways to do better, and afternoons like this one are a reminder that doing better does not always require a big plan. Sometimes it is just showing up.
If you want to know more about what we are working towards, you can read about our planet commitments here. We have also been shining a light on the brands we stock who share this thinking, from Ashley & Co to Isle of Eden and beyond.
Kohi Beach at golden hour, a few bags heavier, and better for it. That is a Thursday afternoon we will remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Keep New Zealand Beautiful? Keep New Zealand Beautiful is a national not-for-profit organisation that runs community clean up programmes, anti-litter campaigns, and environmental education initiatives across Aotearoa New Zealand. Their beach and public space clean ups bring together volunteers from businesses and communities to help protect New Zealand's natural environment.
Where is Kohi Beach? Kohi Beach, also known as Kohimarama Beach, is a sheltered sandy beach in the eastern suburbs of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. It sits along Tamaki Drive and is a beloved local spot for swimming, walking, and taking in the harbour views.
What does Flo & Frankie do for sustainability? Sustainability is woven into how we operate at Flo & Frankie. From the brands we choose to stock to our packaging and business practices, we are committed to making more considered choices over time. You can read more on our Our Planet page.