Deep "Green"
Click here to download the Deep Environmental Policy
It is now almost universally accepted that man's activity is changing our climate and the environment we live in. Each year the symptoms are clearer - global warming, rising sea levels, deforestation, flooding, polluted air and rivers and extinct species to name a few. We waste huge amounts of energy and resources and produce vast amounts of pollution. This cannot continue without causing severe, long term damage to the world we live in. These problems are not going to disappear; we cannot ignore them and hope they will go away. We need to change our lifestyles or else face the consequences.
Being "Environmentally Friendly" used to be thought of as a bit quirky. Now it is seen by the majority of society as sensible!
The Deep has taken steps to minimise it's impact on the environment, some of these steps are illustrated below:
- Since the beginning the entire project has used "Green" electricity - electricity bought from the National Grid which has been produced in a sustainable way.
- In the last 2 years energy conservation measures have reduced the annual energy bill by a third.
- A further stage of an energy conservation initiative is now taking place which should reduce this consumption still further.
- We recycle the cardboard, paper, plastic bottles, cans, vegetable oils, glass bottles, toner and printer cartridges, waste electrical equipment and batteries that are used in our building or placed in our bins.
- All wood used in the project comes from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) accredited sources.
- We monitor the amount of water used in the building and have had a water usage review carried out by Yorkshire Water which showed that our consumption is well regulated.
- Through our "Environmental Purchasing Policy" we strive to buy local produce for our catering operation wherever possible and only buy sustainable seafood.
- We sell Fairtrade goods in our café and shop.
- We are involved in local Beach Cleans and surveys.
- Our company vehicle runs on LPG fuel.
You and the Environment!
It is not only companies that must to become more environmentally friendly. In the UK, 30 million tonnes of household waste is produced each year, about 10% of which is recycled. The average house loses 40% of its heat through the loft and walls and almost half of car journeys made are less than 2 miles. There are lots of small changes we could make in our lives that can really make a difference for the environment.
10 suggestions
- Attract wildlife to your garden; build a pond, put up bird and bat boxes and grow wildlife friendly plants.
- Buy wood products that are from sustainable forests (Look for the FSC mark), or recycled timber.
- Leave the car at home - walk, cycle or use public transport to cut down on traffic pollution.
- Recycle - most household rubbish can be recycled.
- Switch to energy efficient light bulbs - they use 70% less electricity than conventional light bulbs.
- Switch off electrical appliances when you are not using them to make your home more energy efficient .
- Avoid using pesticides and herbicides in your garden - use natural alternatives.
- Try to buy more locally produced or Fairtrade goods.
- Save water when possible - don't leave the tap running.
- Tell your friends and relatives why they should go green!
For more information on how you could live in a greener way please look at these sites:
http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/
http://www.recyclenow.com/facts/index.html