pedlars and the environment

At Pedlars we are trying to be as environmentally friendly as possible. This is not easy and we are far from perfect, but we have taken the following steps.1. We are a Carbon Neutral Company.What exactly does this mean? During the course of 2006 a specialist -and entirely independent- company assessed the amount of carbon all of our business activity creates. Once this assessment was complete we invested in energy saving education and technology projects in the less developed world as a way of 'off setting' our carbon emmissions. This isn't a perfect situation, and we are also seeking to minimise the carbon we create. But, it is better than nothing. And it does make us think...We are also working to reduce any energy wastage identified.2. Our catalogue is printed on paper made from wood that is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PECF (Programme for the Endorsement of Forestry Certification) accredited.What does this mean? FSC and PEFC are internationally-recognised networks promoting responsible management of the world's forests. These organisations have developed a system of forest certification and product labelling that allows consumers to identify wood and wood-based products from well managed forests.3. We recycle virtually all of our waste. Nearly all of our waste cardboard, paper, plastic and glass is sent for recycling.  All relevant food waste is composted.

4. Nearly all of the internal packaging in your parcel is recycled or biodegradable. Most of our internal packaging is a product called spiral which is a 100% recycled paper product and can in turn be recycled itself or is biodegradable. We also, occasionally, use shredded paper which is any 'waste' paper from the office.Sometimes we use the sort of small white plastic packaging that many companies employ. We call them wotsits, but their technical name is Eco-Flow Biodegradable Loose Packaging. The difference between our wotsits and most of those on the market is that ours are fully biodegradable. An added advantage of this is that should you or your dustbin men accidentally spill some of these wotsits in your garden, they will rapidly disintegrate when it rains.If you'd like to find out more about our attempts to make Pedlars an environmentally friendly company, or you have a suggestion that might help us to achieve our goals, we'd be delighted to hear from you. You can call us on 01330 850400 or email alison@pedlars.co.uk