Sustainability is a hugely important issue for me and my business. I aim to keep sustainability in mind for all elements of the business, from creating products to sending out orders. Here are some ways we consider our environmental impact, and changes we have made to be as sustainable as possible.

Digital drawing

As an artist, I prefer to work digitally on my iPad. This prevents unnecessary paper waste.

Sourcing products

I aim to exclusively work with manufacturers who create their products in the UK, and I also consider the sustainable impacts of possible future products and the materials they are made from – for example I do not currently sell any fabric products, as fabric can be hard to source sustainably and ethically.

Whenever possible, I prefer to choose products with eco-friendly benefits, such as my wooden dog keyrings, which are made from fast-growing and sustainably sourced wood. All of my product descriptions have a “sustainability” section, where you can find more information about specific products.

It’s for this reason many of my products are paper-based and recyclable.

Greenwashing

Greenwashing is an unacceptable and dishonest practice where a business will convey a false impression of how eco-friendly and sustainable a certain product is.

I aim to avoid greenwashing of any kind with Woof by Hollie – where a product may not have credible sustainable merits, I will be open and honest about this. For example, we sell vinyl (plastic) stickers, as we found these to be much more high quality and long-lasting than paper-based alternatives, and this is mentioned in the product descriptions.

Eco-friendly packaging

None of my current packaging involves plastic of any kind. I use cardboard envelopes and boxes, with cardboard and paper filling. Occasionally, I will re-use large boxes and bubble wrap to prevent unnecessary waste. My parcels are secured with eco-friendly tape and my delivery labels are printed on paper.

Please note – most orders currently include a sprinkle of plastic sequins. I am working through my current supply and will be replacing it with a more eco-friendly alternative as soon as I can.

Delivery process

I currently use the Royal Mail for all my orders. Royal Mail already has the lowest reported carbon emissions per parcel of any major UK delivery company, and are aiming to be net zero by 2040.

Waste

I am proud to report that we create minimal waste at Woof by Hollie. Any paper waste is reused and then recycled.

Unfortunately I cannot be in control of waste created by the manufacturers of my products, but I always prioritise working with manufacturers who share similar values about the environment and sustainability.

We aim to do better

As a small business, I recognise that myself and my business have an impact on the environment, and I aim to reduce this impact wherever possible. Our planet is an incredibly valuable resource we cannot take for granted.

I personally am taking steps to make more environmentally friendly choices wherever I am able to, from reducing how much plastic waste I create, to choosing to take more journeys on foot or by public transport, and less by car.

I will continue to prioritise sustainability in all elements of my business, but especially sourcing of products, where there is a significant impact beyond myself and my customers.

If you have further questions about anything mentioned in this report, please send me an email: holliealexamoxham@gmail.com.