Ethics & Sustainability Policy Statement

I believe in small business as a force for good.

At Hen’s Tooth, ethical living is intrinsic to the values of how I run my business and how I try to live my life. 

Sustainability, social justice, and responsible consumption guide my decisions, from the products I source to the way I run my home‑based studio.

This policy sets out the principles that shape Hen’s Tooth today and the commitments I’m building on as the business grows.

1. Minimising Environmental Impact

Reducing Hen’s Tooth’s impact is important to me. I approach sustainability as a series of everyday choices:

  • Low‑impact operations: As a home‑run business, I keep energy use low and avoid unnecessary travel. I drive a hybrid vehicle but only when essential, walking whenever possible or choosing public transport.
  • Plastic reduction: Orders are packed with minimal plastic. When plastic is unavoidable (e.g., to protect fragile or moisture‑sensitive items), I prioritise reused materials such as reclaimed bubble wrap or repurposed plant pots.
  • Chemical‑free living: At home and in the studio, I buy eco‑friendly cleaning products in bulk to reduce plastic waste and chemical pollution.
  • Food and growing: I buy certain food items in bulk (like tea and dried goods) to reduce packaging, and I grow fruit and vegetables on my allotment using chemical‑free, peat‑free methods, making my own compost and operating No Dig rotations.
  • I'm open about the fact that we do consume meat in our household, but not often and we pay a premium for higher welfare standards.

2. Ethical Sourcing & Supplier Standards

I work hard to ensure that the products I sell reflect my values.

  • Prioritising UK makers: Wherever possible, I source from UK‑based artists, makers, and small ethical suppliers.
  • Responsible global sourcing: When I travel, I buy directly from local artists, makers, and producers. I’ll never choose mass‑produced or exploitative imports.
  • Supplier transparency: I actively look for suppliers with clear, open ethical and sustainability policies. When products are sourced overseas, I expect:
    • Fair pay and safe working conditions
    • Support for local cooperatives
    • Responsible, transparent supply chains
    • A commitment to reducing environmental harm
  • Zero tolerance for unethical practices: I have previously stopped working with suppliers whose practices conflicted with my values - for example, those linked to ultra‑low‑cost platforms like Temu, which are widely criticised for environmental harm and exploitative labour practices.

3. Packaging & Waste Reduction

I aim to keep packaging simple, and planet‑kind.

  • Plastic‑free where possible: Most orders are packed using paper, card, or compostable materials.
  • Reused materials: Any plastic used is reused.
  • Minimal waste: I avoid unnecessary packaging and encourage customers to reuse or recycle materials where possible.

4. Social Justice, Community & Local Prosperity

Sustainability isn’t only about the planet, it’s also about people.

  • Supporting local economies: I champion local markets, independent businesses, and community makers. Prosperity matters more than profit; money should circulate fairly and support the people who create value.
  • People–Planet–Prosperity model: I follow a triple‑bottom‑line approach, replacing “profit” with “prosperity” to reflect a more ethical, community‑centred vision of success.
  • Fair distribution: I believe in paying fairly, sourcing responsibly, and contributing positively to the communities I’m part of.

5. Travel & Slow Living

Slow living is at the heart of Hen’s Tooth.

  • Mindful travel: I do fly occasionally, but only when necessary. Once I arrive, I travel slowly - by foot, bus, or train, to reduce impact and connect more deeply with local culture.
  • Intentional choices: I see sustainability as a journey, not a destination. I’m always learning, adjusting, and improving.

6. Ethical Content & Blog Standards

Hen’s Tooth is a space for positive, responsible storytelling.

  • Guest content: I welcome guest writers, but I will not publish or link to:
    • Unethical or exploitative products
    • Gambling
    • Cryptocurrency schemes
    • Smoking or vaping
    • Right‑wing political content
    • Racist, sexist, misogynistic, or otherwise marginalising material

 

  • Social justice: Equity, inclusion, and fairness are integral to my definition of sustainability.

7. A Living, Evolving Commitment

Ethical consumption is a work in progress. I don’t claim perfection, but I always choose integrity, honesty, transparency, and a willingness to do better.

Hen’s Tooth exists to encourage slower, kinder, more intentional living, and I’m committed to growing this business in a way that honours people, planet, and prosperity.