Environmental Policy
Our lives impact on the environment in many ways. All the choices we make on a daily basis will have some effect on our environment - whether to drive or walk to the shops, whether to buy free range or factory-farmed eggs, whether to switch the television off at the plug each night... and much more.
There are many ways in which we can reduce our carbon footprint and The Pen Warehouse is constantly striving to achieve a high level of recycling efficiency. We are aware of the impact that packaging waste has on the environment and with this in mind, we have taken steps internally to promote recycling and careful waste management.
The following list represents the items we are currently re-using or recycling:
- Cardboard boxes
- Polythene bags
- Paper and envelopes
- Printer cartridges
- Pallets
- Waste packaging
- Plastic bottles
- Drink cans
- Drink cups
- Computer equipment
Reducing CO2 Emissions
In 1993, the UK Government established The Energy Saving Trust and set a target for reducing the 1990 levels of UK emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), by 20% by 2010. They are a non-profit organisation, funded both by government and the private sector. They have offices throughout the UK and their aim is to cut emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by promoting the sustainable and efficient use of energy. They provide impartial information and advice specifically designed to help people take action. Last October saw the launch of the "Save Your 20%" Campaign which encouraged individuals and businesses to save at least 20% of the energy they use every day by adopting a number of measures in their homes and work-places.
The Pen Warehouse has commited to saving 20% and is currently carrying out all the energy saving measures that the Trust recommends. If you wish to join us, click on the Commit Now logo.
We've Changed to Wind Power!
The Pen Warehouse has also made a big decision and has switched over to Ecotricity!
Ecotricity is an electricity company with a difference - they are dedicated to changing the way electricity is generated. They take the money that their customers spend on electricity and invest it in clean forms of power like wind energy. What's more, they are the only green electricity company actually building these new renewable energy sources. In 2007 alone they invested £25 million in wind energy.
"Not everybody realises the burning of fossil fuels to make electricity is the single biggest cause of climate change in our country today," said Dale Vince OBE, Ecotricity Founder & Managing Director, "and even less people realise that the biggest thing you can do is also the easiest. And that is simply to change where your electricity comes from!"
Changing to Hybrid
Also, high on our list of environmental issues is to reduce emissions from the various company vehicles that we use and we have made a start by upgrading our 'pool car' from conventional diesel to a hybrid drive model.
We took delivery of our new Toyota Prius with its Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. The Prius, on average, emits one tonne less CO2 per year than a family saloon.
Luke with the new Toyota Prius
For initial acceleration and low-speed driving, the ultra-efficient motor uses battery energy to power the car. It consumes no fuel, is practically silent and produces zero emmisions. Whilst driving, when the battery is low, the petrol engine powers the generator to recharge it. Above medium speed, the Prius uses its petrol engine and its electric motor in synergy. The electric motor gets energy from a generator also driven by the petrol engine. The Prius has lower emissions than any other car in its class and is 90% recyclable. It is also exempt from congestion charging.
Throughout the year, the PR Team travel all around the UK, exhibiting and attending road-shows. They are delighted with the arrival of the Prius and intend to make full use of all its energy-saving technology. After taking the Prius out on it's first company trip, Luke Parkes (IT Support and a key member of our PR Team) said, "I think its fantastic! We can enjoy all the comforts and luxuries of a high-performance car and be happy in the knowledge that we are taking a responsibile approach to the impact company travel has on the environment".
Did You Know..?
In our research to improve our day-to-day procedures with regard to environmentally friendly practices, we have discovered some interesting facts.
- One recycled plastic bottle would save enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 3 hours.
- Plastic, often disposed of in landfill sites, can take up to 500 years to decompose.
- The unreleased energy contained in the average dustbin each year could power a television for 5,000 hours.
- The largest lake in the Britain could be filled with rubbish from the UK in 8 months.
- On average, 16% of the money you spend on a product pays for the packaging, which ultimately ends up as rubbish.
- As much as 50% of waste in the average dustbin could be composted. Up to 80% of a vehicle can be recycled.
- 9 out of 10 people would recycle more if it were made easier.
What YOU Can Do...
If you require more information on reducing your carbon footprint and recycling tips and ideas visit our WHAT YOU CAN DO section.
Here, you can find practical advice on rubbish, energy, transport, water, food and shopping. Each section will guide you through the most important aspects and provide helpful hints, links and answers.
You'll be amazed how easy it is!
