Through using only sustainable materials, recycling all our waste, planting trees in the UK whilst protecting those in the tropics and offsetting all our carbon emmisions, we aim to have a positive impact on our environment.
Timber
Every year an area half the size of the UK is cleared of natural forests. These forests, which once covered half of the planet, are irreplaceable and their loss has profound economic, social and environmental impacts. The products of this illegal trade can be found throughout the UK, from building sites to private homes.
We only use Timber and sheet materials which are deemed to be ethical and which carry certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) who promote sustainably managed forests worldwide. We do not use any tropical hardwood's.
Through our partnership with the Woodland Trust we are helping them to replant the UK's lost native woodland and prevent any further loss of this ancient resource. The It Woodwork tree dedication scheme ensures the planting and maintaining of trees with every kitchen produced.
We are also enthusiastic fund raisers for Rainforest Concern, come and watch us next March in the Forest of Dean half marathon, follow our progress on the It Woodwork blog or help us support this cause by donating now through Just Giving.
Recycling
We strive to re-use and recycle wherever and whenever possible committing very little of our workshop materials to waste. Have a look at the It Woodwork Shop for the range of items we make from our offcuts and waste. Every kitchen customer receives a chunky wooden chopping board made exclusively from waste material from previous projects.
We remove and recycle all the waste produced during an installation and any old kitchen units and appliances are offered on to the Freecycle network, It's good to Freecycle! Visit your local group here for more information.
Carbon
Enough has been said about the harmful effects of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases on the Earth's delicate eco-systems, the question now is how can we help to reverse the trend and stop harming our planet?
Our exclusive use of next generation LED lighting provides long life, minimal maintenance and pure, saturated and warm colours whilst only using a fraction of the electricity that standard halogen lights require. Their hugely reduced power consumption not only provides a financial and environmental benefit, they also give out very little heat enabling safe use when recessed into ceilings. 50 Watt halogen spots can reach temperatures of 370 degrees and are a common cause of house fires when not installed correctly. Our LEDs use either 4 or 7 watts and are cool enough to handle.
We need to run a van and use electricity in our workshop in order that we may run our business, but we offset the carbon we use by investing in Forest Credits providing a true carbon saving with the benefit of targeted reforestation and the rehabilitation of degraded forests. Plus we contribute an extra 10% making us a carbon positive company.
We choose E.on to supply electricity to our workshop because they invest in low carbon projects such as wind and wave energy and carbon capture and storage.
We use and recommend these local companies for their excellent environmental credentials:
The Bristol Wood Recycling Project
Park Lane Press - Ethical printers
The little Greene Paint Company - Eco paint
Timberpride - Sustainable Oak
