GardenAdvice Environmental and Sustainability

GardenAdvice as Climate Light Ltd has implemented a comprehensive and forward-thinking approach to environmental sustainability, focusing on several key areas:

Technology and Recycling:

• The company uses fully recyclable Apple computer  products, such as laptops and phones, which can be recycled at the point of resale or destruction, ensuring minimal electronic waste.

Paperless Operations:

• GardenAdvice has transitioned to a completely paperless business model, significantly reducing its environmental footprint related to paper usage.

Energy Efficiency:

• The company’s energy consumption is sourced from green energy suppliers through the national grid, primarily using wind and other low-impact energy sources, contributing to a lower carbon footprint.

Peat-Free Composting:

• GardenAdvice is now entirely peat-free, using John Innes and other composts with peat alternatives like coir and homemade composts. This reduces the environmental impact of peat extraction, which is known to damage ecosystems.

Recyclable and Sustainable Packaging:

• All packaging materials are recyclable, predominantly using cardboard, which customers are encouraged to repurpose as mulching barriers on garden borders. Plastic containers, such as plant pots, are collected, reused, and recycled by the company’s network of nurseries and partners.

Carbon Neutrality:

• In 2024, GardenAdvice achieved net-zero carbon emissions, largely due to its Young Gardeners tree planting project. This initiative resulted in the planting of 125,000 native trees across the UK, offsetting carbon emissions.

Education and Wildlife Promotion:

• Through its gardening courses and the Young Gardeners Club, GardenAdvice actively educates its members about sustainable practices, including water conservation and promoting the use of mycorrhizal products  to enhance plant health and soil biodiversity.

Supporting Net-Zero Initiatives:

• GardenAdvice collaborates with various groups working towards achieving net-zero goals, focusing on educating young people and supporting inner-city food production initiatives.

Employee Well-Being:

• The company has introduced several measures to support staff, including flexible working hours and the extensive use of AI to reduce workload. Employees are not contacted outside of standard working hours  or during allocated holidays, promoting work-life balance and well-being.

Plastic-Free Deliveries:

• GardenAdvice has eliminated plastic packaging in its delivery processes. It reuses its own delivery system, and drivers reduce the need for excess packaging when distributing plants and other products among members and clients.

Research and Innovation:

• The company is at the forefront of biotech research, focusing on localised climate studies and the use of mycorrhizal fungi. It also promotes on-site composting, water-saving, and water retention methods to improve sustainability.

Non-Chemical Pest Control:

• GardenAdvice relies on biological and cultural pest and disease control methods, avoiding harmful chemicals. These sustainable practices are further promoted through educational programs aimed at their members and clients.

Diversity and Inclusion

GardenAdvice is deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity across all areas of its operations. The company actively supports underrepresented groups and ensures equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of their background, abilities, or beliefs. This commitment extends to various dimensions of diversity, including:

1. Support for Disabled Employees:
   • GardenAdvice is committed to creating a workplace that is accessible and supportive for employees with disabilities. The company offers flexible working arrangements and ensures that all tools, resources, and working environments are inclusive and adapted to individual needs. Through ongoing training and awareness programs, the company promotes understanding and accommodation for employees with disabilities.

2. Religious Inclusivity:
   • GardenAdvice fosters a culture of respect for religious beliefs and practices. Employees are encouraged to observe their religious practices, and the company offers flexibility around religious holidays and working hours.

3. Diverse Backgrounds:
   • The company values diversity in all its forms, including socioeconomic background, ethnicity, and nationality. GardenAdvice actively seeks to hire from diverse talent pools and ensures that recruitment and promotion processes are free from bias. Initiatives to support underrepresented groups in leadership roles are an integral part of the company’s growth strategy.

4. Commitment to Anti-Discrimination:
   • GardenAdvice is proactive in combating all forms of discrimination based on gender, race, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or any other reason. The company maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards discriminatory behaviour and regularly trains its staff on diversity, inclusion, and unconscious bias.

5. Support for Mental Health and Wellbeing:
   • In addition to supporting physical disabilities, GardenAdvice also places a strong emphasis on mental health. The company offers mental health support, flexible working arrangements, and access to counselling services for all employees, ensuring a holistic approach to employee well-being.

6. Empowering Underprivileged and underrepresented  Women:
   • Currently, GardenAdvice is focused on empowering underprivileged women by providing access to employment opportunities in several countries. By offering training and employment in the horticultural and sustainability sectors, the company aims to uplift women in disadvantaged communities, enabling them to achieve economic independence and contribute to local development.

7. Community and Outreach:
   • Beyond internal practices, GardenAdvice is actively involved in supporting marginalised communities through outreach programs. The company collaborates with organisations working with underrepresented groups, offering educational programs, job training, and gardening initiatives aimed at creating inclusive spaces and opportunities.

Through these efforts, GardenAdvice ensures that it fosters an inclusive, supportive, and diverse workplace, where every individual is valued and given the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their circumstances or background. This commitment is a core part of the company’s mission to create not only a more sustainable future but also a more equitable and just society.