Here at Fossoway Stables, our whole operation is run with 3 core values in mind - HARMONY, NURTURE and SUSTAINABILITY. We agreed upon these concepts as a family when we started out on this big adventure and we use them, now more than ever, to guide our practice, develop our understanding and build our ethos.
In this series of blog posts "Our Core Values" we share with you why these concepts are so important to us, what we've done so far to honour them, how we plan to continue to live with them as our guides and practical ways in which you can embed them in your lives too.
We're kicking off with SUSTAINABILITY.
WHY SUSTAINABILITY? ...
In an era marked by environmental challenges, concerns about climate change and a world-wide cost of living crisis, living sustainably - both environmentally and financially - has become more important than ever.
Back in 2011, as a family, one of the greatest drivers for us to buy Fossoway Stables in the first place, was this desire to live more sustainably and become self-sustaining. What that meant for us was to make better choices around our environmental impact, grow our own food and build a business/businesses that could enable us to sustain ourselves and the generations that follow.
WHAT WE'VE DONE SO FAR ...
That dream continues to excite us all and we've made a good start in trying to live up to it.
One of the first tasks mum and dad took on was building the kitchen garden to start growing or own food. We made plenty of mistakes a first but we've learned massive lessons over the years and have experimented with varieties & quantities. Not only are we growing the produce that we like and use and only pick what we need when we need it (minimising wastage), it also means that a big chunk of the food we eat have zero road or air miles reducing our environmental impact. We've also learned to adopt a no-dig approach, reducing carbon emissions in the growing of this produce, and developed a composting system to ensure that all wastage goes back to the earth. Though we don't have official organic status, we use organic seeds and grow everything using organic principles so have eliminated all weed killers and pesticides from the land.
We've planted hundreds of trees to help absorb carbon-dioxide and re-wilded other areas to allow for more biodiversity.
We then took our attention to our energy sources and added a huge installation of PV panels to the stable block roof, converted the heating system in the house to an air source heat pump and when building mum and dad's house, they installed a ground source air pump.
In the stable yard, we changed from using wood shavings to straw as bedding, thereby reducing our plastic waste and utilising what is essentially a, (what happens to be very easily compostable), waste-product to provide thick, comfortable beds for the horses and other animals.
We replaced our hallogen flood lights with LED ones.
When replacing our cars and other carbon-based fuelled tools, we've chosen electric and/or hybrid options and ...
When developing our Fossoway at Home range, plant based, vegan friendly ingredients and non-plastic containers were a priority.
WHAT WE CAN & PLAN TO DO BETTER ...
Though we've made a start and invested heavily in 'green' options for the business, we're well aware there is so much more that we can be doing.
We will continue to plant more and more trees across the estate, absorbing more carbon dioxide as well as providing important habitats for wildlife.
We still produce far more plastic and non-recylable waste than we'd like so this is an area we urgently need to address. The cleaning products we use, the bin bags that contain our waste, the packaging all our consumables come in all need to be looked at and have better solutions found.
We can assess our carbon footprint and from there, make an actual written plan and commitment on how we're going to reduce that to zero.
We can keep learning, remain curious and always seek to make changes where we can.
We can look at our infrastructure and ways in which we can encourage walking and cycling to Fossoway Stables.
We can share our journey with you and the greater public and hopefully inspire you to do a wee bit to help too.
HOW YOU CAN LIVE MORE SUSTAINABLY TOO ...
By adopting eco-friendly habits and making conscious choices in our daily lives, we can all play a part in reducing our environmental footprint and building a greener, more sustainable future for us all.
Here are some practical tips for living sustainably:
1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The mantra of "reduce, reuse, recycle" serves as a cornerstone of sustainable living. Minimize waste by opting for reusable products and containers whenever possible. Say no to single-use plastics and invest in durable, long-lasting items that can be used again and again. Recycle paper, plastic, glass, and metal to conserve resources and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills.
2. Conserve Energy
Reducing energy consumption is crucial for combating climate change and reducing our carbon footprint. Make simple changes like turning off lights when not in use, unplugging electronics, and using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. Consider installing programmable thermostats and improving home insulation to reduce heating and cooling costs. Embrace renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power to further reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.
3. Choose Sustainable Transportation
Transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, but there are ways to minimize your impact. Opt for walking, biking, or using public transportation whenever possible to reduce fuel consumption and air pollution. If you need a car, consider investing in a fuel-efficient or electric vehicle. Carpooling and ridesharing are also great options for reducing emissions and saving money on transportation costs.
4. Eat Sustainably
The food we eat has a significant impact on the environment, from production and transportation to waste. Choose locally sourced, organic foods whenever possible to support sustainable agriculture practices and reduce your carbon footprint. Embrace plant-based meals and reduce your consumption of meat and dairy products, which have a higher environmental impact. Minimize food waste by meal planning, composting food scraps, and supporting initiatives to redistribute surplus food to those in need.
5. Embrace Minimalism
In a culture of consumerism and excess, embracing minimalism can help reduce our environmental impact and promote a more sustainable lifestyle. Declutter your home and simplify your possessions, focusing on quality over quantity. Buy only what you need and avoid unnecessary purchases. Choose products with minimal packaging and opt for second-hand or refurbished items whenever possible.
6. Support Sustainable Practices
Vote with your wallet by supporting businesses and brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Look for certifications such as Fair Trade and Organic, when making purchasing decisions. Support local farmers markets, artisans, and businesses that prioritise environmental and social responsibility. Get involved in community initiatives and advocacy efforts to promote sustainability on a larger scale.
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Living sustainably is not about perfection but about making conscious choices that align with our values and contribute to a healthier planet for future generations. By incorporating these practical tips into our daily lives, we can all do our part to reduce our environmental impact and create a more sustainable world. Together, we can make a difference and build a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.
Karen Anderson
Fossoway Stables
07545274440
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