Squiders Web Design - Environmental Policy

With the adoption of this policy, Squiders recognise that almost any business activity, or the activities of the individuals within a business, can result in negative effects on the environment, wildlife and general well being of the planet.

We further recognise the importance of a healthy environment rich in biodiversity, and a belief that all companies and individuals have a responsibility to limit those negative effects and whenever possible create positive ones.

Using the CERES Principles and a variety of “green business” guidelines, we aim to incorporate an initially simple environmental policy that can eventually evolve to full CERES compliance.

This policy will be made available to all employees and associates of the company, and it’s suggestions actively encouraged in each individual’s private life as well as their professional one.

Saving Energy Inside

• Turn off electrical equipment when not in use (i.e. TV / stereo)
• Turn off unnecessary lights, use energy saving bulbs, optimise use of daylight
• Turn off PC monitor and leave PC on standby when not in use during the day
• Don’t overfill the kettle
• Work on optimising water and central heating settings; switch off in summer, use draught excluders, keep doors closed and windows closed, insulate the loft
• Avoid the use of air conditioning or fans unless absolutely necessary
• Seek to produce and encourage clean and renewable energy through solar / wind / water power

Saving energy travelling

• Car share
• Reduce unnecessary car journeys and airline flights
• Use public transport / walk / bicycle
• Avoid travel during rush hours

Saving water

• Do not leave taps running or dripping
• Repair leaks quickly
• Displacement dams in toilet reservoirs (i.e. a brick in the flush tank)
• Collect water from rainfall for watering the garden or even washing the car

Saving Paper

• Use e-mail and don’t print it unless it has to be printed
• Don’t use fax cover sheets unless necessary
• Send faxes from computers so you never need a hard copy
• Produce double sided documents
• Reuse waste paper for note paper
• Recycle paper waste use recycled paper
• Invoice and receipt by e-mail

Reuse and Refurbish

• Consider refurbishing furniture rather than replacing
• Upgrade computer parts rather than replace the entire unit
• Donate unwanted items to charity shops or schools or sell them on
• Try to reuse packaging, boxes, containers, stationery etc.
• Buy secondhand from sources such as EBay

Suppliers

• Seek environmentally aware suppliers (such as waterless / vegetable based printing)
• Avoid supplies that damage the environment in their use or manufacture
• Complain about over packaging
• Seek suppliers who take packaging back for reuse, use local suppliers to reduce transport getting supplies to you
• Sign up for paperless billing and similar web and phone based services

Saving plastics

• Donate all waste plastics to recycling schemes
• Reuse waste plastic wherever possible

Enhancing the Environment

• Design outside areas which benefit wildlife and the environment itself
• Berry and fruit producing trees
• Variable length and overgrown patches of grass
• A mixture of herbs, scented flowers, climbers and shrubs
• Early and late flowering plants
• Dead wood pile
• Leave seeds, stalks and grass clippings on the lawn and beds
• Bird feeders

Lead by Example

• Support charities and associations working to benefit wildlife and the environment, either financially or through free services and volunteering
• Be proud of the changes made and encourage others to follow suit
• Seek to publicise positive changes through company products and marketing
• Think big; protect land through purchase, build environmentally sound premises, be vocal for widespread change

CERES Principles

Aim to incorporate these principles throughout the company as it continues to grow and develop.