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About

About Contributors Contact Advertising Frequently Asked Questions

Homes

Australian houses, from architectural masterpieces to suburban family homes, Victorian terraces, mid-century marvels, coastal shacks, city apartments, and everything in between.

ALL
Apartment
Architectural
Coastal
Country
Family Homes
Mid Century
Minimalist
Renovated
Tiny
Victorian

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Small Garden
Suburban Garden
Vegetable Garden

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Award-winning Australian architecture, inspiring homes, and interviews with Australia’s top architects.

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ALL
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Lunch
Salad
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TDF Talks With KeepCup Co-Founder Abigail Forsyth

Podcast

KeepCup is the world’s first barista-standard re-usable coffee cup. Over the past 10 years, this Melbourne-based company has driven incredible awareness around the re-use movement, and they’ve saved billions (literally) of disposable cups from ending up in landfill.

Though they have offices and warehouses in London and Los Angeles, KeepCup’s head office is right here in Fitzroy!  I recently stopped by for an inspiring chat with co-founder and managing director Abigail Forsyth. The accomplished lawyer-turned-businesswoman reflected on the incredible growth of her business, and her next big challenge – advocacy and activism!

2nd May, 2019

KeepCup’s Managing Director Abigail Forsyth. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

KeepCup grew from 45 to 90 staff in 2018. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

Members of the KeepCup team. Though the business began in 2007, it was another two years before the product hit the market, during which time they invested in hiring external expertise. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

KeepCups in various models and vibrant colourways. Photo – Amelia Stanwix for The Design Files.

Lucy Feagins
Thursday 2nd May 2019

After originally pursuing a career in law, Abigail Forsyth created the first KeepCup with her brother, Jamie, back in 2007. It’s hard to believe it now, but at the time, there was very little awareness around waste, and the problems with disposable packaging. And it certainly wasn’t a common sight to see anyone take a re-usable coffee cup to their local café. How things have changed!

This humble little Australian-designed product has had a profound effect on the world (I don’t get to say that as often as I would like!), so today we delve into the backstory behind it all, and where Abigail has her sights set next!

Oh, and all our podcasts come with pictures. When listening via iTunes / the Apple podcasts app, enjoy viewing relevant photographs and clicking through links while you listen!

 

Lucy Feagins
Thursday 2nd May 2019

Notes + Links

Abigail Forsyth is a judge for the Sustainable Design category of our just-announced TDF Design Awards!

Our Small Business columnist Fiona Killackey spoke to Abigail about the value of investing in external consultants in 2018 – lots of tips and inspiration here.

Find out more about KeepCup and their product range on their website and follow on Instagram @keepcup.

The last thing Abigail purchased online was this, all-natural plastic free replacement for toothpaste! (we’re intrigued!)

This is our 27th TDF Talks podcast, check all the others out here.

This Week

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A Sustainable Home, Designed To Connect To Community

The sunny and generous renovation of a California Bungalow in Northcote, by Gardiner Architects.
Miriam McGarry
  12 hours ago

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Have You Ever Secretly Wondered…What IS Mid-Century Modern?

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An Inner City Steal – This Boutique Townhouse Could Be Yours!

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Interiors

Stand-Out Kitchens To Inspire

Kitchen ideas and inspiration from our interiors columnist, Lauren Li.
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  20 hours ago

Architecture

The Ultimate Heritage Restoration Project, On Remote Bruny Island

John Wardle Architects masterfully restore Captain James Kelly's 175-year-old cottage off Tasmania's South Coast.
Sally Tabart

Sustainability

These Australian-Made Blankets Close The Loop On Textile Industry Waste

Sustainable start-up Seljak turns textile offcuts bound for landfill into high-quality merino blankets, at the country’s last remaining wo...
Elle Murrell

Shopping

Doubling Down On Bedding With Milou Milou

Eco-luxe bedding created from re-purposed 'dead stock', in every colour you could dream of.
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Architecture

Grand Designs From The Small Island

Announcing the shortlist for the 2019 Tasmanian Architecture Awards.
Lucy Feagins

News

A Month-Long Third Drawer Down x David Shrigley Pop-Up

This decade-long collaboration between Melbourne’s kookiest gift store and the renowned artist is open for business!
Sally Tabart
  15 hours ago

Homes

A Colourful Family Beach Shack, Wrapped In Shingles!

Kip&Co co-founder Kate Heppell shares her colourful 1970's family beach shack in Sorrento, Victoria.
Lucy Feagins

On The Market

One Of Fitzroy’s Most Iconic Homes Is On The Market

Your chance to see inside (and maybe own!) the most intriguing house on the street!
Sally Tabart

Studio Visit

Exquisite Portraits And Still Life Paintings From Fiona O'Byrne

The landscape architect and painter shares her meticulously detailed portraits and still life works.
Miriam McGarry

In Print

A New Monograph Celebrating One Of Australia's Most Captivating Female Artists

As the new book series Mini Monographs hits shelves, we offer a look inside the first volume, honouring bold painter Del Kathryn Barton.
Sarah Darmody
  10 hours ago

Art

New Work From The Sculptor Who's Gone Where None Have Gone Before

Inside the current exhibition from Andrew Rogers, the Australian responsible for the largest contemporary art undertaking on Earth.
Elle Murrell
45:53

Podcast

TDF Talks With Award-Winning Magazine Editor Justine Cullen

The mum-of-four reflects on her career, the state of the Australian fashion industry, and the future of magazine publishing.
Lucy Feagins

View Comments

More Podcasts

Podcast

TDF Talks @Mercedes me With Joost Bakker

A live podcast of Lucy's candid conversation with the visionary no-waste crusader and designer.
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TDF Talks With Travel Photographer Kara Rosenlund

An inspiring chat with the Brisbane-based photographer, author, stylist and businesswoman.
Lucy Feagins
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TDF Talks With Chef-Turned-Sustainable-Farmer Paul West

A surprisingly hilarious chat with the River Cottage Australia host, covering his atypical career path, and his philosophies on living a mor...
Lucy Feagins

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