Environmental Policy

Policy Statement:

Altar of Earth's mission is deeply rooted in fostering connection to nature for mental well-being and ancestral healing. We recognise that the health of individuals is inextricably linked to the health of the planet. Therefore, we are profoundly committed to minimising our environmental impact, promoting sustainable practices, and acting as responsible stewards of the natural world. This Environmental Policy outlines our dedication to protecting and enhancing the environment, adhering to applicable environmental legislation and striving for best practice in both the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US).

We believe that our actions, no matter how small, contribute to the larger ecological balance. By integrating environmental responsibility into every aspect of our operations, we not only comply with legal obligations but also reinforce our core values and demonstrate our commitment to a healthier future for all living beings.

1. Scope

This policy applies to all activities, operations, services, and individuals associated with Altar of Earth, including:

  • Employees (paid and unpaid)

  • Volunteers

  • Contractors and Consultants

  • Participants in our programs, workshops, and events

  • All premises, sites, and outdoor locations (including natural environments) used for Altar of Earth activities.

It covers environmental aspects such as energy consumption, water usage, waste generation, procurement, transportation, and the impact of our nature-based activities.

2. Guiding Principles

Our Environmental Policy is founded on the following core principles:

  • Stewardship: Acting as responsible custodians of the natural environment, recognising its intrinsic value and our interconnectedness with it.

  • Minimisation: Continuously striving to reduce our environmental footprint, including energy consumption, waste generation, and pollution.

  • Compliance: Meeting or exceeding all relevant environmental legislation, regulations, and industry codes of practice in the UK and US.

  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly reviewing and improving our environmental performance and management systems.

  • Awareness and Education: Raising environmental awareness among our staff, volunteers, participants, and stakeholders, and encouraging sustainable practices.

  • Integration: Integrating environmental considerations into our decision-making processes and daily operations.

  • Precautionary Principle: Taking a proactive approach to environmental protection, even in the absence of full scientific certainty, where there is a risk of serious or irreversible harm.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

  • Board of Directors/Leadership Team:

    • Overall responsibility for defining Altar of Earth's environmental objectives and ensuring adequate resources are allocated to achieve them.

    • Approving and regularly reviewing this policy.

    • Promoting a culture of environmental responsibility throughout the organisation.

  • Designated Environmental Lead:

    • The primary point of contact for all environmental matters.

    • Responsible for overseeing the implementation and monitoring of this policy.

    • Identifying environmental risks and opportunities.

    • Coordinating environmental initiatives and training.

    • Liaising with external environmental agencies or experts as required.

    • The assigned Designated Environmental Lead for Altar of Earth is founder Melissa Main, who can be contacted for any environmental enquiries via email at contact@altarofearth.org.

  • All Employees, Volunteers, and Contractors:

    • Understanding and complying with this policy and related environmental procedures.

    • Taking reasonable care to minimise their environmental impact during their activities.

    • Reporting any environmental concerns or incidents (e.g., spills, excessive waste) to the Designated Environmental Lead.

    • Participating in environmental initiatives and training.

  • Participants:

    • Adhering to environmental guidelines provided during programs (e.g., Leave No Trace principles in outdoor settings, responsible waste disposal).

    • Respecting natural environments and wildlife during nature-based activities.

4. Our Environmental Commitments

Altar of Earth is committed to the following areas of environmental performance:

  • Energy Consumption:

    • Reducing energy consumption through efficiency measures (e.g., turning off lights/equipment, optimising heating/cooling).

    • Prioritising the use of renewable energy sources where feasible.

  • Water Usage:

    • Minimising water consumption in all operations.

    • Promoting responsible water use among staff and participants, particularly in water-sensitive areas.

  • Waste Management:

    • Implementing a robust "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" hierarchy.

    • Minimising waste generation in all activities.

    • Ensuring proper segregation and disposal of waste, including hazardous materials, in accordance with local regulations.

    • Avoiding single-use plastics where alternatives exist.

  • Procurement:

    • Prioritising the purchase of environmentally friendly, sustainable, and ethically sourced goods and services.

    • Considering the life-cycle impact of products.

    • Working with suppliers who demonstrate strong environmental performance.

  • Transportation:

    • Encouraging sustainable transport options (e.g., public transport, cycling, carpooling) for staff, volunteers, and participants where practical.

    • Minimising travel where virtual alternatives are suitable.

  • Nature-Based Activities:

    • Adhering to "Leave No Trace" principles to minimise impact on natural environments.

    • Educating participants on responsible interaction with wildlife and ecosystems.

    • Avoiding disturbance to sensitive habitats or species.

    • Seeking to restore or enhance natural areas where opportunities arise.

  • Pollution Prevention:

    • Implementing measures to prevent pollution to air, land, and water.

    • Ensuring proper handling and storage of any chemicals or potentially hazardous substances.

  • Communication and Awareness:

    • Clearly communicating our environmental commitments and performance to all stakeholders.

    • Providing information and training to encourage environmentally responsible behaviours.

5. Monitoring and Review

Our environmental performance will be regularly monitored and reviewed to ensure effectiveness and compliance:

  • Environmental Performance Indicators: We will track key metrics related to energy, water, and waste where feasible.

  • Regular Audits: Conducting periodic internal environmental audits to assess compliance and identify areas for improvement.

  • Annual Review: This policy and our environmental objectives will be formally reviewed at least annually by the Board of Directors/Leadership Team and the Designated Environmental Lead. Reviews will also be triggered by changes in legislation, operational activities, or significant environmental incidents.

6. Breach of Policy

Any breach of this Environmental Policy by an employee, volunteer, or contractor will be taken seriously and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or termination of contract. Where a serious breach involves environmental harm or a legal violation, relevant statutory authorities will be informed.

Disclaimer: This Environmental Policy provides a comprehensive framework based on general principles and common legal requirements in the UK (e.g., Environmental Protection Act, Environmental Permitting Regulations) and the US (e.g., EPA regulations, state environmental laws). However, specific environmental laws and regulations can vary significantly at state and local levels within the US, and detailed guidance can evolve in the UK. This document should be considered a robust template and must be reviewed, adapted, and approved by qualified legal counsel in the specific UK region and relevant US states where Altar of Earth operates to ensure full compliance with all applicable local environmental laws and regulations.