Letter Box Hamper is committed to protecting and growing the natural environment and proactively managing our environmental impacts.

We already come from a good base of sustainability - our small letterbox hampers use only sustainable packaging, no single use plastics and the size of the hampers means our customers end up with less food waste, packaging waste and emissions from transportation compared with larger traditional hamper companies.

In addition we are committed to making continuous improvements in the management of our environmental impacts. We work in partnership with others to promote environmental stewardship across our value chain, increase understanding of environmental issues amongst our stakeholders and disseminate good practice with other companies.

We comply with applicable environmental legislation and regulations and where possible we go beyond the legislation to improve our ability to contribute to environmental growth and circular economies within Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Jonathan Winfield, Director of Letter Box Hamper is responsible for ensuring that the environmental policy is implemented. However, all employees have a role to play – this Sustainability Policy outlines our individual and shared responsibilities to ensure that the aims and objectives of the policy are met.

This Sustainability Policy commits us to

• Embed environmental risks into our risk identification and mitigation processes

• Regularly assess our areas of environmental impacts, which includes considering current and future environmental issues

• Audit our compliance with legislation and investigate all environmental incidents in order to prevent recurrence

• Set targets for continuous improvement

Growing

We will consider the impact of our business operations on the ecology of our landscape and native species.

We will reduce the water and energy input required through implementation of modern techniques and scientific advice.

Materials

Where possible we will source materials and products for sale and manufacturing locally, thereby reducing emissions and positively influencing the local economy.

We will work with the most ethical suppliers we can find, and will continue to engage with them so as to promote environmental sustainability.

Culture

We will encourage our staff to avoid travelling to work by (non-electric) car; where this is unavoidable we will promote car-sharing. We have provided an electric car-charging point/cycle-to-work-scheme/other in order to facilitate this.

All staff will be encouraged to promote the ideals and attitudes herein, and will be provided with the necessary training to do so.

Energy, Waste and Water

The consumption of energy and water, and the creation of waste, to be reduced wherever possible through investment in more efficient technologies and through engaging users with the appropriate use of these resources.

Active energy use will be reduced in favour of more efficient activity and building insulation.

When new products are to be purchased, their efficiency and energy consumption will be analysed and factored into any decisions made.

Renewable energy technology will be installed by 2022 – most likely solar panels.

We will seek low-carbon electricity suppliers [in addition to / in place of] renewable energy technology.

Maintenance

Before purchasing equipment, we will investigate whether renting or sharing equipment is possible.

We will investigate the environmental impact and provenance of any equipment to be purchased, with a view to reducing this impact where possible.

We will design and promote products and services for sale that are designed to last and to be easily maintained.

Ecology

We will work to increase abundance of pollinators by enhancing the habitat they rely on and we will encourage our neighbours and customers to do the same.

We will provide proven habitat improvements for the benefit of native species on our premises/work sites.

Where possible we will reduce noise and light pollution created due to our on-site activities.

Circular Economy

We will make repairs to our products on site/at the customer’s address where possible.

We will create or research markets for secondary raw materials that arise from our activities.

We will thoroughly research, test and promote the lifecycle and durability of our products.

We will promote an increased choice for consumers through offering lending or sharing services of our products.

We will reduce the use of non-recyclable or hazardous materials in our activities.

Customers

We will use our website/other channels to engage with, educate and inform our customers about the work we do to contribute to Cornwall’s environmental growth, and how customers can complement this.

We will use our website/other channels to inform our customers about how important Cornwall’s natural environment is to businesses and people living and operating in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Logistics

Where possible any packaging we use will be biodegradable/reusable/recyclable/compostable.

We will incentivise and facilitate recycling of our packaging and products.

We will reduce the total materials used in our manufacturing and packaging activities.

We will use a responsible and efficient delivery network that reduces unnecessary carbon emissions.

Strategy and performance

We will review and update environmental objectives and targets on an annual basis.

We will be prepared to meet any future legislative requirements in the packaging and hospitality sector by future-proofing our activities and remaining as resource-efficient and responsible as possible.

We will meet any relevant regulatory requirements so that customers/clients/donors can be confident that they are supporting a business that is contributing positively to Cornwall’s environment.

We are currently working towards ISO14001 certification.

Approved by:

NAME: Jonathan Winfield

POSITION: Director

DATE: 30 May 2022

REVIEW DATE: 30 May 2023