Shropshire Hills Sustainability Scheme

‘Sustainable’ is a buzz word that businesses like to use. It is often a short hand way of saying “We’re doing our bit for the environment”. However, ‘sustainability’ is about more than preserving nature; it is also about people.

Sustaining our Locality

Oliver Gibbs Carpentry and Joinery joined the Shropshire Hills Business Scheme in 2012, which aims to encourage businesses and their customers to be more sustainable. The council funded initiative defines ‘sustainablity’ as “Creating a strong local economy”; “Building healthy and happy communities”; “Managing natural resources to ensure we do not deplete them”; and “Conserving and enhancing wildlife and the landscape”.

Shropshire Hills Scheme

Membership of the scheme is open to all businesses around the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that are committed to sustainability. Members have to set targets for the year. Our aims are in keeping with our ethical policy and include monitoring and reducing our energy use, advertising sustainability and employing local tradespeople where possible.

Supporting Sustainability

Look for the logo

There are various simple ways that customers can support sustainable living. For example

1. Shop locally and use businesses that do the same. Use the Shropshire Hills site.
2. Use public transport where possible, rather than drive.
3. Develop wild areas in your garden to encourage insects and birds (a good excuse not to do gardening).
4. Use ecoballs in your washing machine to reduce your rinse cycle.
More examples of sustainable activities can be found on the Shropshire Hills website.

UPDATE: We continue to support the work of Shropshire Hills but have decided not to renew our membership. June 2016