Climate change continues to be an important issue for many people, and many consumers are now voting with their dollars by supporting businesses who are committed to reducing their carbon footprint.
In the red meat sector for example, Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) have set the ambitious target for the industry to be carbon neutral by 2030.
MLA says that since 2005, the Australian red meat industry has more than halved its greenhouse gas emissions, with red meat making the biggest reduction out of all the major sectors of the economy.
Toowoomba butcher shop owner Luke Jensen is looking to play his part, committing to a number of initiatives to help reduce the carbon footprint of the business.
Mr Jensen, who owns Westridge Meats and Meat Cellar at The Ridge, is currently transitioning to using biodegradable packaging in store.
He has also installed solar panels at Westridge to harness the natural energy of the sun during the day.
Mr Jensen said he was also committed to a nose-to-tail philosophy.
"Another thing we do that isn't something that all butchers are known for, is that we buy the whole body when purchasing meat, and don't waste anything," Mr Jensen said.
"Customers may have noticed that we sell bones, which are great for broths and for pets - but this is something that not all butchers offer, as many buy in packaged meat.
"We also send our excess fat to a soap making company, ensuring nothing goes to waste."
He said they also insisted on sourcing local meat from the Darling Downs to reduce food miles.
"We source locally produced meat and products, which reduces the transport required to get the produce from paddock to plate."
Their lambs are personally selected at the Warwick sale each week, their pigs come from the Pilton Valley and their MSA yearling beef is sourced from Killarney.
A Darling Downs egg farm recently became the country's first egg producer to be certified carbon neutral by the Australian government's Climate Active program.
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Brandon Long
Brandon Long is a Queensland Country Life journalist based in Toowoomba.
Brandon Long is a Queensland Country Life journalist based in Toowoomba.
