Colchester Allotment Association will adopt and promote environmentally friendly and sustainable policies to the allotment community and beyond.
As an Association obtaining funds it is also a requirement that goods and services purchased should take into account good value for money. All purchasing decisions will therefore involve a balance between environmental and value for money but will take into account the specific options stated below.
Objectives:
Energy
* adopt energy saving methods and improve energy efficiency
* give preference to renewable energy sources whenever possible
* purchase energy efficient appliances whenever possible
Purchasing
* purchase goods and materials which are manufactured in a sustainable way and which can be repaired, reused or recycled in a simple and cost effective way
* purchase environmentally friendly products and avoid products such as peat whenever possible
* encourage the reuse and repair of goods and equipment where practicable
* purchase second hand items where practicable
* purchase goods locally in order to reduce the impact of transportation and to support local economies where practicable
* do not overproduce or over order items and reduce packaging
Transport
* encourage the use of environmentally friendly forms of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport whenever possible and safe to do so
* where vehicles are owned use environmentally friendly fuels, ensure regular maintenance and adopt safe and efficient driving methods
Waste and Recycling
* minimise the amount of waste produced
* recycle or reuse waste materials where possible
* dispose of all waste that cannot be recycled in a responsible manner in accordance with relevant legislation
* ensure the most efficient use of materials
* use renewable, recycled materials and products wherever possible and when practical buy from organisations with a good environmental policy
Water Management
* minimise water usage by adopting water conservation methods
Achieving Objectives
* continually check our own performance with a quarterly review and report the findings of the review to the management committee
* prepare, implement and monitor action plans to improve performance and encourage ideas and feedback from those involved with CAA.