Home to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Dorset is home to some of the UK’s most beautiful natural landscapes. But like many other places, water pollution, littering, and single-use plastics, all cause problems for our natural environment.
We believe businesses play a key role in educating people and protecting Dorset’s natural landscapes. That’s why we are inviting Dorset businesses to take positive steps to become more sustainable and reduce their impact on the environment, by joining the Sustainable Business Network.
To recognise those businesses taking action, we also host the Sustainable Business Award.
Industry speakers
Expert advice
Network events
Sustainable Business Award
It’s 100% free!
By signing up to the network, you will take the first step towards:
We created a handy Guide Book to walk you though the process of joining the Sustainable Business Network and getting your Sustainable Business Award.
5 simple steps to start making small but impactful changes to the way your business operates.
Check it out!
Dorset businesses of any type or size can achieve a Sustainable Business Award by making small but impactful changes to the way they operate.
Simply download the award checklist and kickstart your sustainability journey today.
There are six levels of award, you just need to complete any three actions within a category to gain an award level.
Email your completed checklist to litterfreedorset@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk to receive your award.
No matter what size of business you have, you can get involved in making changes to help nature thrive in Dorset! Whether you’re a business with a large green space or if you have limited green space on a high street, there’s something here for everyone.
A new Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is being created in Dorset to identify the best opportunities to restore, grow and connect nature across the county. Find out more about Dorset Local Nature Recovery Strategy
The Ultimate Guide to Packaging
Understand the pros and cons of different packaging materials.
Make the right choice for your business AND the environment.
Reducing Plastic at Work Poster
Display this poster in your staffroom or office to encourage everyone to reduce single-use plastic.
There is room for everyone to add their own top tips.
Single-use Plastic Policy
Proudly display to staff and customers that you’re trying your best to reduce single-use plastic in your business, create your own single-use plastic policy today!
Single-use Plastic Audit
Download our single-use plastic audit template today! Complete the audit and create an action plan to make small but important changes in your business!
How To Plan a Sustainable Event
Whether you are planning a large festival, a small community fete or a work conference we have the resources available to make sure your event is more sustainable. We have put together a guide with helpful tips to reduce waste during your event.
Resources for Holiday Accommodation
Display these to remind your guests that even when you’re away from home, you can still reduce single-use plastic.
On 1 October 2023 new legislation came into effect which means there are now additional bans and restrictions on single-use plastic items. This includes:
Click here to find out more about the new single-use plastic ban
Network members are invited to attend free events with guest speakers, expert advice, and the opportunity to meet other Dorset businesses taking similar steps to becoming more sustainable.
You will be supported by Litter Free Dorset, working in partnership to achieve a Sustainable Business Award so you can proudly show your community that you are making a difference.
Food & Drink Packaging Workshop: members joined us for pizza and networking at the Watch House Café in West Bay to talk all things packaging and get expert advice from Dorset Council’s Recycling Team.
Guest speakers Baboo Gelato and Hive Beach Co shared their own experiences of working to make their businesses more sustainable, as well as ideas and tips for businesses of all types and sizes.
TBC
Retail Workshop @ Lush Green Hub: We were delighted to work with LUSH to host a Sustainable Business Network evening at the LUSH Green Hub in Poole, focussing on all things retail. Guest speakers Amber Harrison from FOLDE Dorset, Charlotte Loving from Loving by Nature and Eloise Flinter from LUSH inspired all of the attendees to find simple ways to make sustainable changes.
Sustainable Business Network launch event: hosted at the newly-refurbished Dorset Museum, with pop-up exhibition stalls and presentations from industry experts LUSH, Naked by the River, Dorset Council Waste Services, City to Sea, and Brothers Make.
Advantage Digital Print (ADP) is a printing company based in Dorchester and a Litter Free Dorset Sustainable Business Ambassador! By making changes like investing in a paper banding machine and working with innovative products like Notpla seaweed paper, ADP have reduced their use of single-use plastic.
Norden Farm is a touring campsite and farm shop based just outside Corfe Castle and a Litter Free Dorset Sustainable Business Ambassador! By introducing a 24 hour plastic-free milk machine and offering their customers plastic-free shopping options, Norden Farm have greatly reduced their use of single-use plastic.
Lush launched it’s Green Hub in 2023, which is where they treat their waste material like the crown jewels, focusing on not only recycling but reusing, reducing and moving beyond sustainability and towards regeneration. They also have the Lush Shop and Spa in Poole where 66% of their products are completely packaging free.
Stay up to date with the Sustainable Business Network Newsletter!
A newsletter to keep everyone updated with all the exciting things happening. Sustainable Business Network members get an exclusive first look at the newsletter, so why not sign up today!
The Sustainable Business Award will be an annual award to celebrate local businesses who are tackling their environmental impact and making Dorset an even better place to live.
This project has been funded by Preventing Plastic Pollution which is a €14million funded EU INTERREG VA France (Channel) England Programme project co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
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