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I have to create an Environmental Policy as part of a current application process. As a small business and sole trader, it is not something I already in place so I thought I would record how I went about it here, in case it could be useful for others. It is not, at the moment, a statutory requirement. Of course, in my personal and home life, green issues are something I do think about often, I am sure we all do, but I had not really delved into it formally in my business.
Initial research was done on the internet, searching the terms. Here are the articles which I found useful with links:
British Assessment Bureau - Environmental policy: confirming your green credentials
https://www.british-assessment.co.uk/insights/writing-an-environmental-policy/
Common Objective - What to include in an environmental policy
https://www.commonobjective.co/article/why-your-business-needs-an-environmental-policy
Small Business - Environmental checklist for
small businesses
https://smallbusiness.co.uk/environmental-checklist-for-small-businesses-2558278/
ISO Standards - Environmental Management
https://www.iso.org/iso-14001-environmental-management.html
As a second step, I felt it would be useful to
do an audit and think about materials I use, where I work, the way I travel
etc.
Materials
Paper (watercolour sheets, printer paper)
Sketchbooks (various)
Pens (Tikky fine liners)
Pencils (graphite mainly)
Watercolours (Winsor & Newton, Daniel Smith,
Deep Deep Light)
Brushes (Synthetic only)
Existing materials of inks, gouache, acrylic
markers etc.
Assorted ‘freebies’
Packaging materials (envelopes, card)
Promotional cards/flyers
Glues and tapes
Printer inks
Bubble wrap
Glass jam jars
Tech
iPad
Phone
Desktop computer
Scanner
Printer
Graphics tablet
LED Lightbox
Storage
Digital Cloud storage
Digital hard drive storage
Archive sketchbooks
Archive illustrations
Reference books and magazines
Wooden plans chest
Large plastic boxes
Cardboard boxes
Workplaces
Studio (use of radiator, light, kettle, brush-room)
Home (use of heating, light, kettle, cooker)
On location (take water with me)
Travel
Walk
Public transport
Trains and planes (overseas travel)
Supply Chain
Mixam UK - printed zines
Moo - business cards and flyers
Amazon -packaging supplies
The Traveler Art - prints and packaging
ASC studios
Post Office and Royal Mail
Jacksons Art (materials)
Cass Art (materials)
Moving on from the audit, I need to think about
ways and practices that could be changed or improved in the future. It will be
important to revisit the policy regularly, at least annually, to update it as
advice changes.
Here is what I have come up with…
Lis Watkins Illustration Environmental Policy
I create hand-drawn images and maps mainly using the traditional analog materials of paper, pen and watercolour for clients on the travel and event sectors. I also give workshops both in the UK and overseas, sell printed zines and license my work to be made into prints. I have a presence online via a website, portfolio sites and social media channels. I would like to work in a way that means I can behave responsibly and aim to have the least negative impact on the environment. I have made an audit of my current practices and have looked at where I can improve my performance.
Materials
• Make best use of the materials I already have by making sure they
are visible or clearly marked in the studio and at home
• When buying new materials, place fewer orders to cut down on
deliveries
• Only accept ‘freebies’ when I know they will be used
• Reuse paper from archive illustrations/drawings when possible
• Print double-sided
• Only use paper/card packaging going forward
• Encourage customers to recycle packaging by adding a message on my postal packages
Technology
• Switch off when not in use
• When replacements are needed, consider refurbished options before
new
Workplaces
• STUDIO - The studio is run and owned by ASC Studios. I could not
find an Environmental Policy on their website but can ask if they have one. At
the studio I use the light, a power socket, a radiator (during the winter) and
kettle in the kitchen. I already take home any waste and recycle it. I use the
brush-room to clean water jars and refill. Need to continue ensuring that
everything is switched off when I leave.
• HOME - Sometimes I work from home using heat, lighting, the desk top
computer and kitchen. Need to continue the switch off policy here. Our local
authority collects food waste, paper, glass and plastics to be recycled.
• ON LOCATION - Often I spend time drawing outside and I need to
continue taking home any waste and disposing of any dirty water carefully
Storage
• Physical storage at the studio is in large plastic crates and card
boxes. I chose the plastic crates as there have been leaks in other studios and
I felt this was the best way to protect my work. At home I use a wooden plans
chest and card boxes.
• Digital storage is on the Cloud, computer hard drive and external
hard drive. This is one area where I could make a lot of improvement.
Travel
• I travel to the studio by public transport and also when going to
draw on location in the UK
• Travelling overseas is more tricky if the client is paying, they
will usually want me to use the cheapest option which is usually flying. I can
ask if they would consider the train or offer to pay the difference in price.
For my own research and development trips I need to consider the various
options.
• Arrange phone calls or Zoom meetings with clients to cut down on
travel
Supply Chain
• Do research on existing suppliers and due diligence on potential new
ones
This is
my initial Environmental Policy and I realise that I need to monitor it
regularly and update it annually.
Lis Watkins January 2023
