Environmental policy? Behave – I’m a freelancer! Simple steps to help you run a conscious freelance business

Are you more eco-worrier than eco-warrior? You CAN have a positive impact on the environment. Here’s how my business does it…

Does your freelance business have an environmental policy?

I don’t mean some going-through-the-motions greenwash document that you write and then forget about. I mean a proper commitment to reducing your impact on the planet.

“I’m a freelancer. What’s the point? I can’t make a difference on my own!”

Tell me about it.

Truth be told, I’m a bit of an eco worrier. And no, that’s not a typo.

I find those David Attenborough docs almost too hard to bear these days, let alone some of the hardcore stuff shared by environmental activists such as Extinction Rebellion.

It’s so easy to decide there’s no point trying.

But just the process of thinking about the things you do each day can lead to positive changes.

Me, myself and I

I wrote my own one-page environmental policy a few years ago. And while these things are embedded in my day-to-day routine, the summary itself has never seen the light of day.

The idea of sharing it made me feel a bit cringey and uncomfortable.

Isn’t it a bit… worthy?

But then I heard a talk at a local networking event, and it got me thinking.

If I can get over myself and share the steps I’m taking to be more sustainable, maybe it’ll encourage others to do the same.

So here’s my utterly-imperfect-but-it’s-a-start commitment to treading lightly.

(Even if it does still make me cringe just a little bit.)

Sarah Townsend Editorial: environmental policy

I am committed to operating my business in a way that is mindful of the environment, and to taking action to keep my impact on the earth’s resources to a minimum.

To help me do this, I promise to…

• buy 100% renewable electricity from Octopus*
• generate my own electricity using solar panels
• store that energy using a solar battery – and export any excess to the grid
• own a car that’s 100% electric – and charge it using solar energy when I can
• generate 100% of my home’s hot water using solar power (using an Eddi solar diverter)
• use public transport to attend meetings and events where possible
• work from public spaces rather than heat my home
• recycle all paper, ink cartridges and other recyclable materials
• support environmental charities, including the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), RSPB and wildlife trusts
• minimise paper waste by only printing documents when necessary – and always using both sides of the paper
• layer up before putting on the heating (I’m a big advocate of double tights and double socks!)
• use recycled paper for the printing of any business stationery
• minimise my use of water and energy, to reduce my carbon footprint
• have video meetings where possible, to avoid the carbon cost of travel
• work with suppliers who share these values, where possible

I know there’s more that I can do – there’s always more that we can do – but it’s a step in the right direction.

I hope it inspires you to make small changes to lessen the environmental impact of your freelance business.

*Thinking of switching to Octopus? Sign up using this link and we’ll both get £50. That’s a win for you, a win for me, and a win for the environment.