Introduction: We recognise that our organisation, through its members’ use of their allotments and its committee’s decisions, has an impact on the environment and that we have a responsibility to reduce negative impact on the environment as much as possible. However it is understood that plot holders shall be able to garden in the way that they want, though always subject to the terms of the Tenancy Agreement, and provided this does not interfere with other people’s use of their allotments.We also recognise that knowledge of what practices are best for the environment changes as scientific research develops, and that we must keep an open mind and keep up to date with new developments. Policy aims: The committee will manage the allotment society in a way that: 1.1 takes into account the effect on the environment when making decisions 1.2 creates a wider understanding of how allotment related activity can affect the environment 1.3 encourages our members to use their allotments with minimum negative impact on the environment 1.4 promotes high standards of environmentally friendly gardening. Implementation: To achieve its aims, HWDAA will: 2.1 hand a starter pack to each new tenant containing information about good practice. 2.2 draw members’ attention to courses they can attend, and other sources of information, which promote environmentally friendly methods of gardening. 2.3 raise issues of environmental concern through its newsletter and, where relevant, by notices at each site / in its buildings. 2.4 use renewable, recycled and recyclable products in committee-run activities where possible. 2.5 through its stores, sell products that are environmentally friendly where possible. Members will have a choice. 2.6 encourage members to minimise waste and wherever possible, recycle or reuse materials; to dispose of any waste safely and responsibly. 2.7 discourage members from making bonfires and other practices which pollute the atmosphere. 2.8 encourage members to use environmentally friendly gardening techniques such as composting, using manure, bark chippings, mulches. 2.9 encourage members to save and use water responsibly through use of rainwater collection and storage,irrigation and planting techniques, soil preparation and management, and choice of plants. 2.10 encourage members to use environmentally friendly products. Promoting and monitoring the policy: HWDAA, through its committee, will promote and monitor this policy 3.1 by communicating the environmental policy to all members. 3.2 by considering how the HWDAA currently manages water, waste, and product purchasing issues, in the light of environmental concerns, and then developing an Action Plan to improve any aspects it sees fit. 3.3 by appointing a member of the committee (a) to keep abreast of developments affecting the environment, (b) to raise matters of environmental concern, insofar as they have not been dealt with in the Committee’s normal deliberations (c) to provide support and guidance to plot holders who ask for advice on implementing the policy.