Getting supplies
Buy less – before you buy new supplies, consider do you really need to?
- Some of things you might need could have been passed over by the project from last year. Make sure you pass any extra project supplies to next year too!
- Majority of the projects have partners – don’t be afraid to check if they might have materials you might need before you decide to get them yourself!
Buy better – when you decide you need to buy, try more ethical options
- Try finding smaller local suppliers instead. Ethical Consumer is a great resource for navigating suppliers across all sectors. Be prepared to do a bit more research.
- Can you get reusable alternatives to disposables, even if it means paying a premium?
- Please don’t use Amazon – we have an active policy in the Union against using Amazon due to concerns around unethical business practices.
- Try preloved – it might not always be possible, but could you find what you need for the project on Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, Freecycle or even our own Hanger Marketplace? Previously owned items are more eco-friendly and often much cheaper.
How to assess and choose a better supplier?
The idea is to give you general tools on how to navigate shopping, especially online shopping, as opposed to give you ready suppliers list.
The landscape of what projects buy is very variable and subject to change, therefore it is very project-specific.
You might not be able to get the perfect option every time and that’s ok – it’s more about building in sustainability thinking into how you run your project.
| What questions to ask: | Things to keep in mind: |
|---|---|
| Does it mention sustainability and ethical sourcing on the website? | Suppliers who do well will want to talk about it and be transparent. If you cannot find clear sustainability and procurement policy, it’s probably because they do not want you to. |
| Does it provide specific impact data and examples of action or is it limited to commitments and promises? | Is the sustainability section full of general things they want and will do in the future, or does it have clear action plans and progress measures in place? The latter is a robust and preferred approach. |
| Does it have any independent certifications and accreditations? | Look for accreditations related to: -Environmental management -Climate / carbon -Animal testing -Fairtrade -Modern slavery |
| How far is it travelling and by what means? | Local is usually better, but overseas doesn’t have to be bad – there are some ethical companies who ship globally and offset. |
| Is there information on raw material sourcing and supply chains? | Truly ethical companies will have a good understanding of their entire supply chains and material provenance – and will be transparent about it. Recycled materials are also good. |
Running events
A quick guide to running to running more sustainable events:
| What to think about | How to improve | Practical tips |
|---|---|---|
| Waste | Avoid single-use, non-recyclable disposablesEnsure a clear and efficient waste management systemArrange for leftover food to be donated | Think about how to access recycling if you expect recyclable waste like glass bottles or plastic packaging. Organise for leftover food to be packed to takeaway boxes for guests to take home, or arrange a drop-off to where it is needed more. |
| Catering | Prioritise low-carbon, ethically sourced food and drinkThink about packaging: is it single-use, especially plastic? | Consider using Union’s catering! It’s disposables-free, uses ethical food and drink, and you can use an internal form to sort everything out. |
| Services (venue, items hire etc.) | Use local agents who share SU values | Use a general supplier assessment approach from the supplies section. Also, don’t be afraid to email the supplier with specific questions. |
Your project’s legacy
As a project leader, you get to understand the project most intimately: the supplies it needs, the activities it takes part in and the relationships with stakeholders.
Passing this knowledge and resources down to your successors is essential in preventing a lot of missed opportunities for more efficient and sustainable operating.
This is about passing over best practice as well as material resources to help lower the impact of the project over time:
- Passing supplies over to next cohort (inventory for next year);
- Good practice advice - think about long-term sustainability of the project
- Recommended supplier list (if using suppliers)