From an early age, the environment has been a concern for us, a challenge we believe needs a collective effort to tackle. At Anges de Sucre, we strive to make even the smallest difference, believing that every little effort counts towards a greater good.
Our journey towards sustainability has led us to prioritise eco-friendly practices in all aspects of our operations. For instance, when selecting packaging, we choose the most sustainable option over the prettiest or cheapest, demonstrating our commitment to putting both our customers and the planet first.
Every decision we make, from changing delivery vans to selecting ovens, is carefully weighed for its environmental impact. We've learned that sometimes, extending the life of what we already have is more eco-friendly than opting for new, even if it's electric, based on research by Yuya Nakamoto and Shigemi Kagawa.
Transitioning to a made-to-order model has enabled us to eliminate food waste entirely, a significant achievement from our days running a physical shop. We meticulously manage our inventory to ensure no ingredients are wasted, reflecting our commitment to sustainability in our cake designs and limited bespoke orders.
Replacing our old, energy-intensive ovens with smaller, more efficient models marked a significant milestone in reducing our energy consumption by over 50%. This change, although challenging, exemplifies our dedication to making environmentally conscious choices.
Our office operates off the grid, powered by solar energy, showcasing our innovative approach to sustainable business practices. We're exploring further improvements, such as water treatment and additional renewable energy sources, dreaming of an off-grid bakery.
We've shifted away from custom packaging to using UK printed stickers for essential information, a decision driven by our desire to reduce our carbon footprint without compromising customer satisfaction.
From installing programmable light switches to optimising our use of air conditioning and refrigeration, we continually seek ways to enhance our energy efficiency and reduce our environmental impact.
Our website redesign focuses on reducing carbon emissions by streamlining content and hosting on a clean energy provider, underscoring our commitment to a greener web. We're also exploring carbon offsetting options for our in-house delivery service, aiming for a comprehensive approach to sustainability.
We pride ourselves on working with suppliers who share our environmental values, striving for a more sustainable supply chain. Our efforts extend to recycling and encouraging eco-friendly commuting options for our team.
While we've made significant strides in our environmental journey, we recognise there's still much to do. We remain committed to ongoing improvement and innovation, always prioritising the planet in our decision-making.
We welcome any suggestions or ideas on how we can further our sustainability efforts. Together, we can make a difference.
Nakamoto, Y., & Kagawa, S. (2021). A generalized framework for analyzing car lifetime effect on stock, flow and carbon footprint. Journal of Industrial Ecology. DOI: 10.1111/jiec.13190