All my timber is sourced from ethical producers who aim to avoid deforestation, especially with tropical hardwoods as these tend to originate from rain-forests. Happily, we now have products such as Accoya for painted exterior joinery, plus various plantation grown timbers that address the issue of the deforestation of virgin rain-forest.
When I can source it, I like to use locally produced timber. This supply is improving year on year as the re-forestation of Wales continues. Various organisations such as Wood Source Wales and Wood Knowledge Wales are all working to make this happen.
I also try to operate the workshop on a sustainable basis. During the winter months the workshop is heated by burning my own wood-waste. Within the last two years all the workshop lighting has been converted to LED’s.
Some of the sustainability activities we undertake are as follows:
Workshop Management
Researching raw material production processes, emissions & waste
Avoiding use of environmentally sensitive materials
Sourcing all wood from sustainable forestry, locally managed wherever possible
Careful planning and ordering of raw materials so as to maximise use, and minimise waste
Recycling of waste products: Wood shavings and sawdust reused for workshop heating during the winter months
Green bin used for recycling paper/card/plastic wrapping/milk cartons etc
Office Management
Careful use of stationary, using and reusing recycled materials where possible
Use of Aberystwyth CRAFT for sourcing and donation of office equipment where possible
Recycling of paper and plastic office waste
Recycling of printer cartridges and toners through charity collections i.e. Crossroads, Red Cross
Electronic and telephone communication favoured
Use of energy efficient lighting
Travel and Deliveries
Limiting site visits though careful organisation and planning
Utilisation of a smaller number of larger deliveries rather than trickle ordering
Usage of suppliers large ‘multi drop’ delivery runs rather than individual deliveries
Minimisation of business mileage through route planning