On the footprint of stationery

Some guidelines on how to keep your stationery sustainable

I want to make a general observation about the sustainability of stationery, and offer a reminder: the environmental footprint of your stationery is small compared to many other things in your home, and positively tiny next to the big hitters of the fashion industry, energy production, meat production, or global logistics. Stationery items are small and often we’ll use them for a long time.

If, like me, you want to offset your stationery usage: add your voice to those fighting climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, or over-exploitation of natural resources. Better still make your stationery greener by using it in these fights: Create art to communicate messages, write to your elected officials, or reflect on your climate action in journals.

In terms of making our stationery more environmentally friendly, there are things we can do better. There are some specific things you can do, and I’ll go into these in separate posts, but here are some general thoughts:

• Don’t buy more than you need
• Use what you have
• Refill what you can
• Shop local
• Eschew the cheap and the disposable
• Donate, trade or repurpose what you no longer want or can’t use

Why sustainable stationery?

Essentially, I’m writing this blog for selfish reasons: I’m passionate about the environment, and I want to find sustainable and responsible ways to enjoy my hobby.

I want to find ways to connect with other enthusiasts who are interested in sustainability and climate change.

I want to promote and highlight the work of those who are creating or using stationery in sustainable ways. I want to hampion green makers, artisans and artists.

The stationery community has a role to play in climate change and I’m keen to explore this with the community rather than tell people what I think it should be.

Why me?

I’m an analogue tool enthusiast, who by day works in climate change resilience and mitigation for UK port and flood defence infrastructure. Sustainability is a huge passion of mine, as I’m sure you’ll know if you already follow this blog. I’m an enthusiastic writer and I believe I have the skills to tackle this topic with passion, sincerity and transparency.

In closing, I’d like to solicit ideas for what to write about in this blog. Do you want tips, or do you want to see reviews of green products? Profiles of people making positive changes? Closer looks at the industry? Let me know, in the comments or on social media.