We all know the art and artefact work is not particularly environmentally aware or sustainable. But there are some things which you can do to reduce waste, be more sustainable and in turn be more environmentally responsible.

We’ve compiled some resources which you can utilise in your workplaces.

Create Environmental & Sustainability policies for your business or workplace: There is currently no legislation saying businesses must have Environmental & Sustainability policies in place however it is advised by the UK government and you can find the guidelines to creating one here .

Gloves: Terracycle - Nitrile Glove Recycling Programme - the first recycling programme for disposable gloves. https://www.terracycle.com/en-GB/brigades/gloves And these are the boxes https://zerowasteboxes.terracycle.co.uk/products/gloves-zero-waste-box

Different types of biodegradable gloves https://www.justgloves.co.uk/Gloves-By-Type/Biodegradable-Gloves

Materials: Materials which can be recycled: https://fineartshippers.com/secure-art-packing-materials-that-can-be-recycled/

Recyclable packaging provided by Polybags who have a range of recyclable as well biodegradable packaging options https://www.polybags.co.uk/packaging/recyclable-packaging.htm

How to Recycle Packaging Materials by Raja Packaging

https://www.rajapack.co.uk/blog-uk/recycle-packaging-materials/

Article about Packaging materials for shipping art featuring some recyclable and biodegradable materials and where to source them in the UK as well as other countries.

https://www.artbusinessinfo.com/packaging-materials.html#

Art shipping boxes and mailers from Eco-close https://www.ecoenclose.com/shop/shop-solutions-by-category/art-and-prints/ Plant based packaging which is predominantly used in retail sector but could have uses for special boxes for artworks or objects. https://www.paperfoam.com/

Green sell foam which is biodegradable and may have some products which could be adapted for art packaging. https://www.greencellfoam.com/

NomaGreenTM biodegradable packaging foam like the grey foam used to pack artworks. https://www.greenerpackage.com/protective_packaging/biodegradable_packaging_foam

Reusable Storage & Transport containers : Crates are a huge expense and create a huge amount of waste. Look at investing in multi use crates such as Rokbox or Turtle.

Reusable bags for the storage and transportation of art and frames: Artpakk http://www.artpakk.com/

Biyomap https://www.jacksonsart.com/biyomap-reusable-artwork-shipping-storage-bags

Logistics Companies: Medium to large logistics companies who work on government contracts have to have a sustainability or environmental policy so a lot of them have them. These are supposed to be accessible to clients so just do your research and ask them before you engage their services.

Here are a couple which have their policies online: Gander & White , Constantine & Martinspeed

Zhero is the only company offering zero emission logistics by using 100% Electric Vehicles and high capacity cargo-bicycles, Zhero fulfils client needs with familiar services, but in more environmentally responsible ways.

What others in the industry are doing: Martinspeed recycling - how they run their recycling is amazing - they have two guys and a truck and they sort, donate and deliver cases and materials which can’t be recycled all with very little waste and is cheaper than the refuse removal the industry uses. You can find more information about them here https://www.arttechspace.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=121 And can contact them for supplies here: https://m.facebook.com/Martinspeedrecycling1/

Between 2012 and 2015, more than 700 regularly funded organisations were required to have an up-to-date environmental policy and action plan, and report on their energy and water usage to The Arts Council. Here are the findings. https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/sites/default/files/download-file/Sustaining_Great_Art_Report _2012_15.pdf