Why Conscious Calligraphy
Conscious - adjective
aware of and responding to one’s surroundings. aware of what one is doing.
From 2015-2018, I worked as a Sustainability Assistant in Higher Education. The role gave me such valuable insight into the climate crisis and issues facing our planet. Since then, I’ve personally been on a steady journey taking steps to lower my carbon footprint. Focusing on consuming more consciously, reducing waste, adopting a plant-based lifestyle and thinking about my daily actions more carefully. Living a low impact, sustainable lifestyle doesn’t need to be hard work or lacking in any way and I really wanted my business to reflect my personal beliefs without compromising on style.
It’s well documented that, generally, weddings are not particularly eco-friendly. The average wedding produces one third of a metric tonne of solid waste and 14.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide*. Of course, my little business won’t change the whole industry, but as Anne-Marie Bonneau said “We don’t need a handful of people doing zero waste perfectly. We need millions of people doing it imperfectly”. So, by doing my bit to make beautiful, functional wedding invitations that are as sustainable as possible, and you choosing to work with me, we can celebrate a step in the right direction.
Sustainability doesn’t mean compromising on style!
How conscious is ‘The Conscious Calligraphy Co’
Conscious Consumption
Your invitations are so unique, our aim is that your guests will keep them and treasure them for years to come! However, if they aren’t able to, rest assured, your stationery will be made out of reusable, recyclable or eco-friendly materials. All invites will be easily recyclable with as little waste as possible. I will also advise you on exactly how much stationery you need for your wedding so we don’t over order.
- All card and envelopes are recyclable, or FSC certified where possible.
- Recycled paper options are available for some suites (coffee paper, seeded paper etc.)
- All embellishments are chosen carefully to be plastic free, easily recyclable or reusable.
- My consumables (ink, tape, glue etc.) are the most environmentally friendly option available.
Conscious Packaging
Your order will be packaged in plastic free, easily recyclable card boxes, using paper labels and paper tape wherever possible. I usually reuse boxes from incoming materials too, so if you find any bubble wrap in your order, it will be repurposed and not bought new by me.
Conscious Waste Management
In the stationery industry, it’s inevitable there will be some waste (trust me, I wish I never made spelling mistakes or had ink spillages!), however, I do my utmost to make sure any waste produced is managed with care.
· Paper offcuts are often used to make smaller items e.g. placecards and tags.
· I reuse spare card around the studio e.g. file labelling, practice sheets.
· I responsibly recycle any waste correctly.
· If I have any spare stationery, I use it in my portfolio to take to wedding fayres, use as sample packs for new couples.
· I take any larger offcuts or wastage to my ‘day job’ at a university, to be used by students in arts projects. Last year, they used my excess card to make Christmas cards which were sent to a local nursing home!
Conscious Procurement
I personally check with all suppliers I plan to use, to ensure their values align with my own. I meticulously research the best, most eco-conscious options available. I order in bulk whenever it is sensible to do so to minimise packaging and deliveries and I use UK suppliers wherever possible to reduce delivery mileage. If you’re local to me, I’d be very happy to organise for you to collect your stationery to save on an extra delivery! I’m also pleased to say that my home studio is powered by renewable energy sources, through a green electricity tariff.
Conscious Contributions
I donate 2% of my profits to Cheshire Wildlife Trust. The Wildlife Trusts is responsible for protecting various natural environments across the UK. The grassroots movement has 850,000 members and 35,000 volunteers working together to keep parks, woods and nature reserves protected. I regularly volunteer with the Trusts too and have spent many an afternoon planting trees, weeding, litter picking and dead hedging!
Conscious Communication
I always try to improve the way I work to reduce my environmental impact. Every decision is with the best intentions, care and knowledge I have at the time. I don’t claim to be perfect or get it right 100% of the time, but I commit to being transparent about my products and honest if you have any questions. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you’re unsure on anything or want to delve a little deeper.