This privacy policy sets out how we uses and protects any information that you give us when you use this website.
We are committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.
We may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes.
What we collect
We may collect the following information:
- name and job title
- contact information including email address
- demographic information such as postcode, preferences and interests
- other information relevant to customer surveys and/or offers
What we do with the information we gather
We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better service, and in particular for the following reasons:
- Internal record keeping.
- We may use the information to improve our products and services.
- We may periodically send promotional emails about new products, special offers or other information which we think you may find interesting using the email address which you have provided.
- From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you for market research purposes. We may contact you by email, phone, fax or mail. We may use the information to customise the website according to your interests.
Security
We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.
How we use cookies
A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer's hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.
We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data about webpage traffic and improve our website in order to tailor it to customer needs. We only use this information for statistical analysis purposes and then the data is removed from the system.
Overall, cookies help us provide you with a better website by enabling us to monitor which pages you find useful and which you do not. A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us.
You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. This may prevent you from taking full advantage of the website.
Links to other websites
Our website may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.
Controlling your personal information
You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways:
- whenever you are asked to fill in a form on the website, look for the box that you can click to indicate that you do not want the information to be used by anybody for direct marketing purposes
- if you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for direct marketing purposes, you may change your mind at any time by writing to or emailing us.
We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. We may use your personal information to send you promotional information about third parties which we think you may find interesting if you tell us that you wish this to happen.
If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please write to or email us as soon as possible at the above address. We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.
Know whether what you're buying is degradable or not, and where it comes from. This is the first step. Pick up an item in the shop and understand where it comes from. Is it plastic? Can it be recycled? Is it biodegradable or just degradable? Do you need an industrial composter to compost it, or can you throw it into your backyard? Are you going to reuse it, or is it strictly single use? How long will you keep it? Do you really need it, or is it a purchase on a whim? Is there a more sustainable option? Think plastic vs bamboo hairbrush, glass vs plastic food jars. Think about every item in your shopping trolley. To know more about where different materials come from, have a look at this article on our blog. 
If you don't agree with a company's sustainability practices, write to them. Have you ever walked into the fruit & veg section in the supermarket and not seen a single unpackaged option? Maybe the only apples available are those in plastic bags, or all the mangoes come in foam mesh. This is when you can email the companies and tell them your concerns. Companies want to sell their products. If enough consumers write to them, and tell them they should not be using single use plastic, they will eventually change. The same goes for companies that sell medicine, lunchboxes, textbooks, handbags, toothbrushes … The list goes on. They will usually have a customer service email on their website, or even a phone number. You, as a consumer, have the power. For tips on how to address companies, have a look here. 
Small, ethical businesses are usually a better choice than large corporations. To clarify: small businesses who are doing the right thing. Whether that’s an independent coffee shop which encourages BYO cups and only offer paper straws, or a bulk food store that lets you weigh your own boxes: small, ethical businesses are often a better choice than large corporations. Not only does it bring money back into the local economy, but it also allows more and more small businesses to flourish and provide sustainable options. 
Conversations are a great way to let people know what you're doing. Tell others what you are doing, and why you are doing it—but remember, just because they are not conscious of their waste does not mean they are the enemy. Being condescending and aggressive is one sure-fire way to lose their interest in the cause. So listen to their opinions, give your own, and acknowledge that sometimes there is an item that they cannot do away with for medical or other reasons. Conversations are also important to have with business owners. If a coffee shop still offers plastic straws, ask them if they would consider supplying paper ones. If they only offer takeaway coffee, tell them you would rather they provided a sit-in (reusable cup) option as well. And let them know that, given a choice, you will go to the shop that is sustainably minded over the one that is not. 
If people see you changing your behaviour, they are more likely to follow suit. Conversations are a wonderful way to connect with others, but sometimes actions speak louder than words. Refuse disposable bags and always have your keep cup handy. Shop in bulk and reuse any plastic you can’t reduce. With Christmas coming up, think through your gifts. Get your loved ones something they will use, not a token which sits on a shelf for years before ending up in landfill. Traditional wrapping paper cannot be recycled—what about some elegant brown paper with paper sticky tape and a reusable ribbon? Look here for some more tips on a plastic-free Christmas! If those around you see you changing your behaviour, they are more likely to follow your lead. For more plastic-free hospitality tips, see our blog. Want more information on our ethos? Have a look at our supplier BioPak's website. Post by Tallis Baker
