Midlothian’s Green Businesses – The Book Whisperers CIC
Whether you’re a large organisation with several properties, a micro business working remotely or a social enterprise with no set office space like The Book Whisperers CIC, the Midlothian Business Green Pledge can support your business to move to greener processes to protect the environment.
The Book Whisperers CIC
The Book Whisperers Community Interest Company started as an online Facebook group, encouraging people who have always wanted to write, but never had the time or support, to give it a go during lockdown in 2020. They have grown in the last two years into a truly wonderful social enterprise providing support, advice and publishing opportunities to independent writers, whatever stage or writing they are at, and have an exciting book festival up their sleeve for Summer 2022!
Why have The Book Whisperers CIC signed the Midlothian Business Green Pledge?
As a new social enterprise, The Book Whisperers CIC wanted to ensure they were as green as possible, right from the get go. With the owners already being passionate about the environment and doing their bit individually, it was key to have this run through the activities of organisation too.
The Midlothian Business Green Pledge provides a great starting point for new businesses to ensure they’re doing what they can to support Scotland’s Net Zero target. With easy to implement suggestions, links to partners for expert advice and dedicated one to one time with a Business Gateway Adviser to help them create a green action plan, businesses have access to the tools they need to start a business with environmental practices at its heart.
What are The Book Whisperers CIC doing to help reach Net Zero?
The team at The Book Whisperers work remotely, all striving to use renewable energy tariffs and encourage employees to take advantage of Scotland’s Electric Bike Loan Scheme to promote active travel and low carbon transport. As a means of team building, wellness and working, the team regularly meet to conduct ‘walking meetings’ which inspires ideas, gets them out in nature and avoids the use of offices and fuel!
The Book Whisperers are currently creating a family book festival set to take place in the Summer of 2022 in the grounds of Vogrie Country Park, Midlothian. Every step of this project has been carefully considered to ensure it is as green as possible to protect the planet for the attendees’ futures. Here’s just a snapshot of the policies they have in place to ensure Midlothian has a great, green book festival:
- Tickets are all e-tickets to avoid unnecessary printing and paper use
- Public transport is being organised to allow people to easily travel to the festival without a car
- Green, active transport routes will be available for those who wish to walk or wheel to the event
- Food vendors are being vetted, ensuring their business is as close to zero waste as possible and have their own green policies in place
- The event will include a market gardener who will teach visitors how to grow their own edible plants, harvest them and use them in their cooking – perfect for engaging with children from a young age to spark an interest in the planet and the small steps they can take to protect it.
The Book Whisperers Green Pledge
Lea Taylor, Co-Director of The Book Whisperers said: ‘Having the support from the Midlothian Green Pledge ensures that we are doing all we can to be as green as possible both day to day and in the long run for our Wonderland Book & Story Festival. With the festival targeted to families and children, it is essential that we communicate the need for people to look after our planet to ensure the next generation can enjoy it too.
Our Business Gateway Midlothian Adviser, Robbie, has supported us on our business and environmental journey making the process very easy and directing us to specialised advice from a number of partners. As individuals we’re all dedicated to being as green as possible and it’s wonderful to continue this into our business.’
Sign the Midlothian Business Green Pledge
Whatever stage your business is at, The Midlothian Business Green Pledge can support your green journey.
Sign up today and get your business ready for a green future.