In my services to clients and couples, I offer gentle, not judgemental advice, so I try to apply this same principle to my own business. I’m on the right track, but am always researching and open to suggestions for ways to further reduce my impact on the planet and ensure I am spending my money with ethical businesses. Being ethically and environmentally responsible is very important to me, and at the forefront of every decision I make for my business and personally.
Green energy
This website is hosted by Eco Hosting, a UK web host that runs on 100% renewable energy and supports important research into forestry and conservation. My home office is also powered by 100% renewable energy. My mobile phone is on a tariff which uses the money from customers’ bills to give land back to nature and I choose not to upgrade my phone every time my contract is up, only when the phone is no longer useable.
Unfortunately, my budget doesn’t quite stretch to an electric car just yet, so at the moment I settle for driving with my ‘eco mode’ switched on! I also try to ensure that all journeys are maximised by booking meetings and site visits on the same day and using public transport where I can (not always easy living in a small village)!
Paper goods
As a graphic designer and stylist, I know that sometimes there is no substitute for paper goods. In my business practices, I am paperless wherever possible, re-use scrap paper I already own, or choose post-consumer waste paper on the rare occasion I need to purchase any. When I am designing for you, I use printers who offer recycled paper stocks, CO2 neutral printing practices and, where requested, are vegan society approved.
Giving back
For each service purchased, I have chosen to donate a percentage of my profits to Labour Behind the Label, who campaign for garment workers’ rights worldwide. The clothing industry turns over almost $3 Trillion a year, yet workers earn as little as $21 per month and are subjected to human rights abuses daily, all so we can buy a cheap t-shirt. I used to be a dedicated follower of fast fashion, and would think nothing of popping into a high street shop, probably to buy a top I already have two of in my wardrobe! But since understanding the real price of my impulse purchase I have put more focus into shopping my wardrobe or buying second-hand. Where I do need to buy new, especially looking for gifts for others, I research for brands that are ethical and transparent in their supply chain.
Ethics
For me, being sustainable is as much about ethics as it is about the environment, so I choose my suppliers with that in mind. I am proud to say that All Things Considered does not purchase from Amazon and I am a subscriber to Ethical Consumer, which I frequently check before choosing where to spend my money.
Third party suppliers
You can rest assured that I will do my utmost to match any recommended suppliers to your ethos, style and budget, whilst working with sustainability in mind. I do the research so you don’t have to, asking questions about business practices and materials to ensure they are as environmentally-conscious as possible. I also put my focus on local businesses, whether that be local to my business, or to where you are getting married or holding your event.
I’m always learning new ways to adapt my business to be more environmentally and socially aware and welcome suggestions for other ways that I can grow.