I am passionate about running my business with a ‘planet conscious’ mindset and in a sustainable way. I believe we must do all we can to make sustainable choices in every area of our lives, our businesses and our food choices, so that we set an example to future generations and pass them a planet that we have helped protect. As a mother of 3, I try my best to educate my children on the importance of recycling, reusing and reducing, by leading by example and integrating sustainable choices into everyday family life. This is includes my business. As founder, creator and maker of Claire’s Amazeballs, where possible, I actively make sustainable choices that support the ethos of my business and brand.
Whilst more sustainable choices are not always the most cost effective, it is important to me and my customers. My commitment to sustainability can be demonstrated in the following ways:
• Packaging: I invest in cardboard box packaging which is FSC certified and which is fully recyclable. I welcome and encourage customers to return used boxes to me, which I gladly reuse for a repeat order. This is common practice for many of my local loyal customers in Marlow. The parchment paper I use is naturally made from a base paper, it is recyclable and 100% biodegradable. No bleach or wax is added. For smaller packs of 2, I sell these in a biodegradable and compostable plastic free packaging. These are made from vegetable starch and confirm to the EN1342 standard, biodegradable and certified OK Bio-based, suitable for composting and will degrade in landfill conditions. I am also exploring the use of glassine bags which are made in the UK from 100% pure pine cellulose which is recyclable, compostable and biodegradable.
• Ingredients: I source my ingredients from suppliers who are certified organic by Organic Farmers and Growers and who have been certified 100% carbon neutral. All ingredients are organic where possible and purchased in bulk to save on small, single-use plastic storage. A certification by the Soil Association is in process.
• Energy Consumption: Where relevant, I arrange a local delivery service on a Friday to local customers, where I make 1 journey a week to distribute my product. This is increasingly being done by bicycle. If I use a vehicle, I combine this journey with multiple pick-ups and drop-offs and combine with other commitments relating to stockists and daily family life. Other packages are posted on a regular shipping day of the week. Claire recognises the current climate crisis and is continually implementing methods to work towards the NET-ZERO by 2050 goals.
• Suppliers and Service: I actively opt for suppliers and service providers that adopt a more sustainable approach to how they run their business. For example, I have chosen to use printers that also adopt more ethical approaches to their business operations. I also source ingredients as much as possible from local suppliers.
• Waste management: Making energy balls, does generate a small degree of wastage in the form of date stones, and ingredient packaging. All food waste in my kitchen is composted in local authority containers and all used packaging from ingredients is recycled in relevant waste bins.
If you have any questions relating to sustainability, please feel free to get in touch!
~ C