You want to shout about the good things your business does but you need to steer clear of vague claims or “impact washing”. Here’s how to communicate your impact (without greenwashing). There is a growing demand from customers, partners and regulators for transparency and trust is a competitive advantage even for a very small business. […]
Our drains were never designed to handle the levels of toxic waste we flush down the drain. They were designed in the 1800s before most of the toxic chemicals we use in our homes were even developed (Science Museum). Since then our use of chemicals has exploded – global chemical production has increased fifty fold […]
Working with a local community project is not just ‘charity’. Community projects benefit businesses and businesses benefit community projects. No business operates in isolation, they’re all part of a local community. Community projects like community gardens, energy gardens, and community cleanups all care for the environment in the local area. They create shared values for […]
Geothermal energy is a renewable, clean energy source that performs well against other renewables. We’re excited to see the UK’s first geothermal electricity plant switched on this month. The United Downs Deep Geothermal Power Project will be able to provide 10,000 homes with clean electricity through Octopus Energy. It has taken more than two decades […]
Healthy ecosystems, whether they are bogs, peatlands, marine habitats or forests are carbon sinks. They can absorb up to 50% of the carbon emissions that we humans cause (British Antarctic Survey). Biodiverse habitats are more climate resilient. For example, Source Climate Change Coffee’s coffee growers practice agroforestry which can provide shade and reduce temperatures, protect […]
Paying a living wage is foundational to social and economic stability. It is an ethical business practice that is at the heart of sustainability. Fair employment practices is one of the pillars of Environmental, Social and Governance policies. The social component of ESG is about human rights and equity. It recognises that a businesses’ relationship […]
Looking out the window at the endless rainy skies of February it is hard to imagine that the UK is lacking in water. But it is, and the issue of water scarcity is going to increase as climate change takes effect. The UK government predicts that public water supplies will be short of 5 billion […]
Spring is on the way, the days are getting brighter and it might be time to plan a room makeover or two. Sourcing ethical furniture can be difficult, as stores are full of furniture made cheaply in overseas factories. Our directory of ethical businesses is a useful resource when you are planning to redecorate – […]
“Open chimney flues are the biggest source of heat loss in a home” says Chimney Sheep. And heating is one of our biggest sources of carbon emissions. So how does a homeowner stop chimney flue heat loss? It is estimated that 37% of our total greenhouse gas emissions (Gov UK) come from heating (space heating, […]
We are pleased that Naturesave have renewed their sponsorship of the Blue Patch Learning sessions with Chartered Environmentalist Alice Doyle. Alice contributes a great deal to the discussions in our regular meetings and our community benefits from her valued advice. Naturesave Insurance are patrons of Blue Patch and have been a part of our community […]
Y.O.U Underwear proves it is possible to have comfortable & ethical underwear. The brand started after the founder Sarah was shocked at the extent of poverty in Africa during a visit in 2016. Even today it is estimated that 40% of the population live below the poverty line (Njenga, 2002). When times are tough, essentials […]
National Trust properties are binning single use cups in a trial with recycled plastic cup maker Circular & Co. The scheme could result in huge savings for the National Trust, if successful and reduce their carbon emissions at the same time. The National Trust properties in the UK see massive numbers of guests each year […]
Your everyday choices power the Blue Patch community. Shop small is a key part of our mission to connect sustainability-minded business with conscious consumers and power the UK’s transition to net zero through funding projects like community energy projects and our own carbon reduction for small businesses programme. Why now? The pressure is on UK […]
It’s that time of year – we’re reviewing our business as you may also be doing. Here’s a quick recap of what we got up to this year: Naturesave funded Blue Patch’s online workshops this year. The lively zoom sessions were led by Chartered Environmentalist Alice C Doyle. Alice’s informal and creative drop-ins enabled members […]
A good night’s sleep makes all the difference. With ethical bedroom essentials you can sleep with a clear conscience about where your products are made and what they are made of. Whether you are looking for new bedding or want to redecorate the whole room, we have some ideas for your home. Are duvets recyclable? […]
Regenerative farming is highly beneficial to the environment and projects like the Telfit Farm project are showing the way with natural inputs and diverse farming practices that improve soil health, water retention and biodiversity. What is regenerative farming? Regenerative farming is an agricultural approach to farming that aims to restore the soil, increase biodiversity and […]
Heat pumps are gaining in popularity as a low-carbon heating solution but lots of misinformation persists around them. Here we draw on resources from Elite Renewables to separate fact and fiction. Heat pump basics Modern heat pumps are up to four times more energy efficient than gas boilers, turning 1kWh of electricity into up to […]
Why would you need ESG focussed insurance cover? ESG is increasingly important to business today, particularly when the business is in the ethical sector of the market and Sustain Insurance Brokers are a specialist provider in the insurance sector focussing on businesses with a strong environmental, social and governance (ESG) values. What is Environmental, Social and […]
Block printing on textiles and wallpaper is an endangered craft in the UK. There are approximately 50+ textile makers and under 10 wallpaper printers. It is a very labour intensive and time consuming process. And some of the older makers are struggling to find someone to take over their blocks – for example Hugh Dunford […]
It is easy to assume that social impact needs to be made by governments and larger bodies but it is possible that a small business can have social impact. We’re constantly impressed by the businesses in our sustainability-minded community and the impact they have both locally and globally. YOU Underwear is a micro business which […]
Climate change is affecting food in the UK and beyond: from domestic farming to international supply chains. The effects of climate change can be seen in changeable weather, extreme storms, fires, cold and dry periods – these lead to poor harvests, rising prices and crop viability. 2025 saw England reap its second worst harvest (Energy […]
The Christmas season is often associated with excessive waste and over consumption. By rethinking traditions, it is possible to be joyful and make Christmas kinder to the planet. Christmas doesn’t have to be about consumption. It can be about connection. Traditions start with the smallest things like using the same dinnerware and decorations each year. […]
Umbrella making is on the red list. It is endangered in the UK. It would be a real shame if it were to end completely. Luckily there are a few plucky umbrella manufacturers still in business. The history of umbrella making in the UK Umbrellas – sunshades or parasols – have been used through the […]
Carolyn Blake’s work ‘In Undiminished Splendour’ has been selected for inclusion in the John Moores Painting Prize 2025. This distinguished exhibition, long regarded as one of the pinnacles of contemporary British painting, opened at the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, on 6 September and will run until 1 March 2026. Now in its seventh decade, the […]
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