Design and fabrication company Like Butter is based in Melbourne and Castlemaine. Ran and owned by very talented folk – industrial designer Jem Selig Freeman and sculptor Laura Woodward. They have supported our community projects by not only purchasing 500 native trees, but also by going out to plant them!

Like Butter has gained a reputation for its approach to design and fabrication that is based on flexible and lateral thinking, strong aesthetics and considered detailing, in order to achieve the simplest and most effective solutions for the project at hand.

From its own furniture and lighting products, to one-off commissions for significant design and fabrication projects, to public art installations, through to film and animation production. The common thread? Learning through play, and ‘just making stuff’. This has resulted in exquisite shelving, storage solutions, plant stands, vinyl record storage, desks, tables, and more. The team have a real flair for combining design and practicalities.

To lead the shift towards a circular economy by redefining sustainable manufacturing, empowering people to make ethical choices, and inspiring businesses to prioritise the health of our planet and its people.

Jem Selig Freeman | Director | Like Butter

In early July, we travelled to Balliang, VIC with the team from Like Butter to plant their 500 native trees. These trees are crucial to the local terrain, mountains, rivers and flora/fauna in the Brisbane Ranges. Over time, a wildlife corridor with the trees, will be created for native animals to travel safely between the adjoining National Park to the numerous native reserves in the district. The trees were selected to promote beneficial insects and pollinators. To also promote biodiversity, over 20 species of trees indigenous to the district were planted. Trees such as; Hedge Wattle, Drooping Sheoak, Silver Banksia, River Red Gum, Yellow Box and Gum, Grey Box, Messmate, Red Box and Manna Gum.

Like Butter’s extensive commitment to good environmental and worker practice is to be admired. The company champions the following ethics:

• Pledging to achieve zero waste via various goals, including carbon-neutral manufacturing.
• Proudly using locally sourced, Australian-grown Hoop Pine and responsibly managed hardwoods.
• Progressively incorporating more reclaimed timber, lessening reliance on virgin stock.
• Advocating the ‘People Before Profit’ movement, whereby all staff only work a 4-day week.

It was fabulous to join Like Butter to plant the trees, meet the team and personally thank them for their generous support. People Care and Planet Care in action.

If you are interested in how your business and Fifteen Trees could work together, contact Colleen at <[email protected]> or check out our COMPANY page for more info.

Writer – Lou Ridsdale

She is a green thumb, Earth Lover, big-hearted nature freak, plus a savvy media and horticulture expert, who passionately believe that everyone can lead a more nourishing and sustainable life. Her passion for education + communication being the most empowering tool for change is reflected in her setting up her side hustle Hey Hoe Let’s Grow. She also founded Food Is Free Inc., a unique grassroots food security platform specialising in food security education. She fell in love with trees after reading The Magic Faraway Tree as a child. You can find Lou here