Here at H A B I T, we are focused on creating the smallest eco-footprint that we can whilst providing you with the best experience possible. We’re constantly looking for ways to improve our processes without increasing overheads disproportionately, so make sure to check back regularly.

We might look like we’re all black & white, but we think green.

So, what are we doing, and what can you do?

HOW WE GROW

  • Closed-system watering techniques are used, with run-off used to water our outdoor potted plants

  • Pest and disease control are conducted in ways to minimize leaching into waterways and the environment

  • We use hydrogen peroxide for sterilisation of pots and tools, which naturally breaks down into an environmentally friendly end-product, able to be safely flushed into waterways.

  • Any mineral media is sterilised by boiling, and then reused

HOW WE PRINT

  • Inkjet instead of laser for any in-house printing. Inkjet printing has lower energy consumption (up to 85% less), lower emissions (around 85% less CO2) and less waste than laser printing

  • Refillable ink cartridges reduce our plastics consumption

  • We configure our postage label printing to use all labels on a sheet (even those that have had previous printed labels removed), so none go to waste

  • We only use matte paper stickers and labels to avoid petrochemical coatings that are not recyclable. All our labels and stickers are ordered direct from the manufacturer; they are ordered in FSC-certified eco-friendly paper options, and delivered in unbleached, recycled envelopes that are loose-packed without plastic wrapping or additional packaging. Ordering direct from our manufacturer avoids the external packaging found on store-bought products

  • Often, it’s what we don’t print that matters; we run a paperless office and administration processes are all cloud-based. We don’t print receipts or packing slips. If you require a gift message included in an order, please add it to your order notes or email us, and we’ll hand write your message on our cards included with orders

  • Merchandise is only printed to order, printed at facilities closest to your delivery destination, with all merchandise guaranteed ethically- and sustainably-sourced and produced. These will only be shipped to you in minimal packaging.

HOW WE PACK

  • Unbleached cardboard boxes. We collect these direct from our local packaging supplier in order to negate the need for more boxes required to ship the orders to us

  • Water-activated paper packing tape with vegetable gum allows for better recycling and no exclusion from council facilities

  • Plant-based plastics chosen for humidity management, which allow for better landfill-biodegradability (up to 90% faster in landfill than petrochemical plastics). We also opt for plant-based plastic packing tape and wrap, which will also landfill-biodegrade at the same excelerated rate as our other plastics

  • Small plants wrapped in recyclable paper to minimise the use of plastic packing tape adhering plants inside boxes

  • Biofill packing peanuts made from potato starch, rather than polystyrene

  • We don’t use sphagnum on bare-rooted plants. Coco fibre and recycled paper towel are our choice due to their lower environmental impact, as well as being able to be home composted

HOW YOU CAN REUSE OR RECYCLE

  • Reuse or recycle all paper or cardboard components - just remove any residual plastic packing tape, as it can clog machines at council recycling centres. This is why we try to minimise the use of plastic tapes. Any paper tape that we use can be recycled along with the box

  • Tissue and paper towel can be composted

  • Aluminium foil can be placed in your household recycling

  • Any plastics (bags and tapes) can be recycled via your council’s soft plastic recycling services (where available) or should be placed in landfill

  • Biofill packing peanuts can be dissolved in water and disposed of down the sink or in the garden. Alternatively, keep them to reuse

  • Many of our printing companies will send your merch items in biodegradable or compostable satchels, please check for labelling on how to dispose

  • Pots can be cleaned and reused. Clear pots can be placed in your household recycling, while black pots can be taken to your nearest garden centre that accepts them for recycling

  • Any old organic media can go straight into your garden or compost, while mineral media can be sterilised by boiling or added to your outdoor plants

Sustainability Policy.