Green Policy

1. Eco Friendly Policy

North East Community Workshop is committed to protecting our surroundings and where we live. We want to stop spoiling our planet. We can do this by supporting people with learning disabilities to learn, grow, and contribute to their community in positive ways. We believe everyone can do a little bit to care for and protect their surroundings and we will make this as simple, manageable and as easy to understand and do as possible.

 

2. Our Environmental Goals

We will work towards:

  • Having LESS waste and MORE recycling.
  • using less energy and using water responsibly.
  • Choosing environmentally friendly products where possible.
  • Encouraging people to use travel which doesn’t use petrol or diesel.
  • Informing people about the need for them to learn about environmental issues and to change habits which can reduce waste which cannot be easily to use again..

 

3. What We Will Do

3.1 Waste Reduction and Recycling

  • Provide clear and easy-to-understand recycling bins with visual aids.
  • Reduce single-use plastics where possible.
  • Reuse materials for workshops and activities whenever safe and appropriate.
  • Always put items which can be recycled into the council recycling bin e.g. plastic bottles, glass bottles and jars, steel and aluminium cans etc.

3.2 Energy and Water Use

  • Turn off lights, equipment, and heating when not in use.
  • Check regularly for leaks and wasted water.
  • Use energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and heating systems where possible.
  • Encourage everyone to take part through simple reminders and visual prompts. (We will get signs)

3.3 Sustainable Purchasing

  • Buy recycled, reusable, or eco-friendly products whenever possible.
  • Choose suppliers who demonstrate good environmental practices.
  • Consider the environmental impact of all major purchases.

3.4 Travel and Transport

  • Encourage walking, cycling, car-sharing, or public transport where possible.
  • Use digital communication to reduce unnecessary travel.
  • Plan nearby places to go to for group outings or deliveries.

3.5 Education and Inclusion

  • Provide accessible environmental education to participants, staff, and volunteers.
  • Use easy-read materials, symbols, and hands-on activities.
  • Involve people with learning disabilities in considering activities and ideas which are ECO-Friendly..


4. Working Together

  • We believe environmental responsibility works best when everyone is involved.
  • We support staff, volunteers, and participants to take part in simple, achievable activities that help the environment and build independence, confidence, and community pride.


5. Monitoring and Improvement

  • Review this policy every year.
  • Ask for feedback from staff, volunteers, and participants to improve our approach.
  • Set achievable goals and celebrate successes, big or small.


6. Our Promise

North East Community Workshop promises to work toward a greener, cleaner future. We will do this in a way that is inclusive, accessible, and empowering for the people we support.