At Sstutter, I recognise my duty to protect the world we live in. This policy outlines my commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and environmental responsibility. It covers broad values, attitudes, and specific measures to reduce waste and improve efficiency. As a work in progress, this document will be updated as new methods of efficiency are discovered and new challenges arise. My goal is to be accountable and responsible for the impact of my actions.
Responsibility
As the director, I, Philip Wykes, am responsible for ensuring that the environmental and equality policy is implemented. However, all employees, freelancers, and contractors share the responsibility in their respective areas to ensure that the aims and objectives of this policy are met.
Equality & Diversity Aims
- I am committed to promoting equality and diversity.
- I will treat everyone with the respect they deserve, without prejudice.
- I will respect individuals' choices and the way they wish to live their lives.
- I will strive to be as inclusive as possible.
- Where possible, I will aim to make a disabled person's experience as good as that of a non-disabled person.
- I will not discriminate against anyone.
Environmental Aims
General Materials & Waste:
- Minimise the use of paper and other materials in the studio.
- Use technology, such as cloud storage, to view and distribute documents, reducing the need to print.
- Utilise scrap materials to develop new products, maximising material usage.
- Purchase recycled and recyclable paper products.
- Reuse and recycle all materials where possible.
- Evaluate the environmental impact of any new products intended for purchase.
- Limit the use of single-use plastics and avoid them where possible.
- Favour environmentally friendly and efficient products whenever possible.
- Dispose of materials safely and in compliance with local authorities.
Product Suppliers, Materials & Packaging:
- I will consider the ethics and values of suppliers before partnering with them.
- Preference will be given to local, UK, and first-world businesses to ensure ethical practices and reduce the risk of child labour.
- Packaging and gift boxes will be either recycled or FSC-approved.
- Kite Packaging, my main supplier for postage and packing materials, holds ISO certification and follows a robust environmental policy.
- Tiny Box, my gift box supplier, holds certification and follows a robust environmental policy.
- Lucite, which produces the Perspex, has a robust environmental policy and manufactures in the UK.
- All materials will be sourced from sustainable suppliers, verified by the supplier.
- The gift box provided to customers is intended for long-term use as storage for the product.
Energy & Water:
- I will seek to reduce energy usage as much as possible.
- Lights and electrical equipment will be switched off when not in use.
- Heating will be adjusted with energy consumption in mind.
- The energy consumption and efficiency of new products will be considered when purchasing.
Transportation:
- I will reduce the need to travel in vehicles unless absolutely necessary.
- I will use local suppliers, postal services, and shops where I can walk or use public transport.
- I will favour efficient and environmentally friendly services, such as Uber, when transportation is needed.
- I will promote the use of travel alternatives such as email, video, or phone conferencing.
Philip Wykes, Director, June 2024.