Pretty much everyone is aware of the importance of ‘being green’. We all want to use less plastics, recycle more, use less fossil fuels. But are we doing all that we can? The Great Big Green Week is set to be the largest ever climate and nature week ever seen in the UK. Happening all across the UK between the 18^th and the 26^th September, the Great Big Green Week is aiming to get as many people as possible involved in celebrating local communities and how they are taking action to tackle climate change and protect our green spaces. With exhibitions, concerts, community stalls and climate cafes to name just a few, the events should be great fun for everyone.

How is the studio ‘being green’?

Having three boys who love being outside, I am passionate about making sure they have an outside to enjoy for years to come. During lockdown, I took the opportunity to reassess lots of processes in the studio to make sure they were as green as possible. This included looking at all my suppliers to see if they had a sustainability policy in place. If they did, I wanted to know exactly what they were doing and did they actually ‘mean’ it.

There are some wonderful suppliers in the UK and I did considerable research to make sure their products were the best available and that they were taking their role in the sustainability of the planet seriously. All the suppliers I use now offer beautiful, bespoke products sourced sustainably and from recycled or recyclable materials.

As well as suppliers, I looked at everything I use in the studio to try and become a carbon neutral studio if at all possible. I am currently switching to 100% renewable energy and will also be looking at everything, right down to the light bulbs I use. Through researching everything I have discovered that every little bit helps.

Bronze Sustainability award from the Master Photographers Association

What does this mean for the wonderful families who visit the studio?

For those of you who have already visited the studio more recently, you will know that I already collaborate with a company called Ecologi, who are helping all businesses, big and small, offset their carbon footprint. In addition, through Ecologi, I have been planting 25 trees for every family who visits the studio. Their trees are named after their little ones and every family is sent their own, unique link. They can go back and visit the link whenever they want and watch their trees blossom with their little ones.



I wanted to continue helping families become more sustainable and now I will be planting more trees for each family, as part of my artwork collections. So, there is a chance to have up to 100 trees planted in your little one’s name. It means you are helping to do your bit to give back to the planet.

Do you want to do more too?

Do have a look at the studio’s sustainability page, as it gives you some ideas on how you can do your bit to be greener (https://www.sarahbaldockportraits.co.uk/our-sustainability-pledge). There is even a link to join Ecologi yourselves and if you use the link, Ecologi will plant extra trees for you as a thank you.

Why not also look up The Great Big Green Week and see what activities are going on in your area. The more people who get involved, the more we really can make a difference for the future.