Environmental Policy

---

At Cutters of Twickenham, we have developed an environmental policy that ensures we minimise any potential impact our operations may have on the world in which we live. From simple procedures like ensuring computers are not left on standby wasting electricity overnight, to careful consideration of our packaging and water usage we have covered a range of aspects. We are continually reviewing our policies, so that we can ensure that as we change, they change to make sure we sustain our high levels of commitment to the environment.
 

Some of the key points you may be pleased to hear about:
 

We have a minimal packaging policy; we recycle all packaging waste. When planting larger plants such as trees, you will find they could well be delivered with nothing more than a shipping label on their containers.
 

Any organic waste that we generate is disposed of locally in accordance with government standards.
 

Something that is very important to us here is the disposal of waste plastics - we generate waste in the form of old plant pots and carry trays and all of these are sent to factories so they may be reused to make other products. We ensure the pots we buy are made only from recycled materials themselves. The pots we use can also be recycled by you at home in the same way by inclusion with the waste plastic collection made by most councils. We have investigated other alternatives to the plastic pot, but we feel at the moment the amount of energy involved in the production of these, and that most need to be shipped half way around the world offsets any environmental benefits.
 

Composts, Fertilisers and Water Conservation.
 

In high temperatures and low rainfall periods, responsible water usage becomes an import concern. In order to minimise water waste, we collect and utilise rainwater throughout the year. This reduces water consumption significantly. However, it may not be appropriate in all circumstances and as such water use is always monitored and never left unattended.

Composts and fertilisers are used but every attempt to source local and naturally occurring substances is made. Disposal of such materials is conducted in line with local government guidelines.
 

Wildlife & Chemical use.
 

We take a proactive approach to wildlife, and we have everything in the local vicinity from bats to buzzards, owls to seals and toads to terrestrial orchids! We encourage wildlife by leaving fallow areas, looking after hedgerows responsibly, and by planting food source plants. We understand that the use of chemicals can have a detrimental impact on wildlife, and we avoid the use of these wherever possible, preferring biological controls where possible. We really do minimise such chemical inputs, and will always try an organic product first if we do have to treat an occasional topical problem.
 

Transport & Daily Balance.
 

Getting to our projects is very important, and doing this in a way that minimises the uses of vehicles is very important. Great care and planning is taken to organise our resources so that unnecessary trips are not taken and thus improving fuel economy.  
 

From small aspects such as only using energy saving lighting, and ensuring that when we do take those all-important tea breaks that we don't boil any more water than we need, we are constantly looking at ways to ensure we minimise any environmental impact we may have.