Mission Statement
MARINElife recognises that it has a responsibility to the environment beyond legal and regulatory requirements. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and continually improving our environmental performance as an integral part of our business strategy and operating methods, with regular review points. We will encourage partners, suppliers and other stakeholders to do the same.
Responsibility
MARINElife is responsible for ensuring that the environmental policy is implemented. However, all employees and Volunteers have a responsibility in their area to ensure that the aims and objectives of the policy are met.
Policy Aims
We endeavour to:
- comply with or exceed all relevant regulatory requirements,
- continually improve and monitor environmental performance,
- continually improve and reduce environmental impacts,
- incorporate environmental factors into the running of the charity, and
- increase employee/volunteer awareness and training.
Plastic
We will replace plastic products at the end of their life that are used in our day-to-dayadministrative operations with alternate environmentally friendly materials.
If plastic has to be used, we will source where possible, non-virgin plastic in favour of recycled products.
We will encourage all staff and volunteers to not use single use plastic e.g. water bottles,carrier bags etc. instead to use reusable alternatives.
We will continue to monitor and report on plastic litter as part of our survey protocols whenat sea.
Paper
We will minimise the use of paper in the office.
We will reduce packaging as much as possible.
We will seek to buy recycled and recyclable paper products.
We will reuse and recycle all paper where possible.
We have made all our training course material available online as PDF, JPEGs, and Word documents, eliminating the need for printed material.
Energy and Water
We will seek to reduce the amount of energy used as much as possible.
Lights and electrical equipment will be switched off when not in use.
Heating will be adjusted with energy consumption in mind.
The energy consumption and efficiency of new products will be taken into account when purchasing.
Office Supplies
We will evaluate if the need can be met in another way.
We will evaluate if renting/sharing is an option before purchasing equipment.
We will evaluate the environmental impact of any new products we intend to purchase.
We will favour more environmentally friendly and efficient products wherever possible.
We will reuse and recycle everything we are able to.
Transportation
We will reduce the need to travel, restricting to necessary trips only.
We will promote the use of travel alternatives such as e-mail or video/phone conferencing.
We will make additional efforts to accommodate the needs of those using public transportor bicycles.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Cleaning materials used will be as environmentally friendly as possible.
Materials used in office refurbishment will be as environmentally friendly as possible.
We will only use licensed and appropriate organisations to dispose of waste.
Monitoring and Improvement
We will:
- comply with or exceed all relevant regulatory requirements,
- continually improve and monitor environmental performance,
- continually improve and reduce environmental impacts,
- incorporate environmental factors into project decisions,
- increase employee/volunteer awareness through training, and
- review this policy and any related issues as and when necessary, at trustee meetings.
Culture
We will:
- involve staff and volunteers in the implementation of this policy, for greater commitment and improved performance,
- update this policy at least once annually in consultation with trustees, staff and key volunteers where necessary,
- provide staff/volunteers with relevant environmental training,
- work with suppliers, contractors and sub-contractors to improve their environmental performance, and
- use local labour and materials where available to reduce CO2 and help the community.
Updated in 2025