Ethics

 

Many people find ethics pious, boring and unconvincing. But to me it’s also a matter of fun. I like doing what I believe in. It’s why I do what I do the way I do it. I work closely, informally and creatively with my clients, showing real personal commitment. Which is why I have kept so many of you over so many years.

 

But it also means a few other quite straightforward things about the way I work, which are listed below.

 

Wherever possible I run a paper-free business. All paper used is recycled and produced using low-impact techniques, and all paper used or received is recycled. All plastics, textiles and card are also recycled (current provider Magpie in addition to council scheme).

 

All printing consumables are recycled (current supplier/provider Cartridge World).

 

Energy and water use is kept to a minimum, including through substantial insulation, a no stand-by policy, low-energy light bulbs and LEDs.

 

All electricity is from renewable sources (current provider Good Energy) and I am planning to generate energy using solar and wind power, with any surplus supplied to the National Grid.

 

Gas is purchased from an ethical supplier (Equigas from Ebico).

 

Website hosting is by the only UK company powered solely by renewable energy (Ecological Hosting).

 

Telephone services are sourced from an ethical company (The Phone Co-op).

 

Emissions are offset planting indigenous trees in the UK and using a scheme that purchases and retires EU CO2 quotas, taking them out of circulation (Equiclimate from Ebico).

 

Travel is kept to a minimum using videoconferencing and VOIP technologies. Any unavoidable travel prioritises the lowest-impact solution: bicycle, public transport, motorcycle and motor car in that order.

 

Food and drink is organic, local (low food miles) and fair trade wherever possible.

 

I operate a clear client and supplier code covering the environment, animal and human rights, and the active promotion of creative thinking and living through business style and practice.

 

Any investments are in ethical funds and a wide range of charities are supported every year, with regular and ad-hoc donations.

 

I likewise operate transparent business practices and pricing policies throughout.

 

Now that’s got to make you smile, doesn’t it?