Farewell to Our Kinds co-founder Hamish Cockburn, who led Perth’s first 100% reuse café, The Corner Store, avoiding 100,000 single-use cups. His bold leadership has left a lasting legacy for Perth and the planet.
So long Our Kinds co-founder Hamish Cockburn, and thanks for all the cups.
Over 100,000 avoided from landfill from Perth’s first 100% reuse cups café – The Corner Store Café Subiaco.
In June 2021 I met with Hamish to pose a question:
“Can we replace a single use cup with a reusable cup and make that ubiquitous – just like the Bialetti Moka Pot.”
In just 2 hours we were game on. Let’s have a crack.
After 2 months of research we registered the business, attracted investment, and started trials.
We decided not to produce a cup - yet. We studied human behaviour first.
Hamish and his amazing team at The Corner Store led the trials, and role modelled for cafes that followed, achieving 100% reuse cups at The Corner Store in just 7 months – sustained for nearly 2 years.
His insight – rip the band aid earlier. The first 30% of customers transition quickly with support, the balance conversion is exhausting when given a choice. Remove the choice and habits change, it becomes easier.
Hamish has a thriving industrial design business and made the decision to close the doors of The Corner Store after 8 years at end of lease, also stepping aside as Co-Founder and Director at Our Kinds.
Hamish, we look forward to rewarding your early role modelling, passion, creativity, courage, grit, tenacity, laughs, tears, coffee, treats and group hugs with a business model that becomes a role model.
Making sure that your business did not purchase one more single use cup and lid since July 2022 is outstanding.
You have left a legacy for Perth and Mother Earth.
And we thank you.
