Sustainability at The Paddock

OUR ETHOS

Environmentally Friendly

In keeping with our environmentally friendly ethos, we operate a zero waste policy, even our raised beds are made from recycled timber. Any veg which is left over from our box scheme is donated to community projects, fed to our animals or composted at The Paddock and put back onto the land to fertilise it.

We pride ourselves on being an ethical, sustainable business and as such, we recycle all of our packaging including the boxes your veg is delivered in and our egg boxes. Our food has not travelled high air miles and this really shows in the freshness and taste, as well as being more environmentally friendly! We reuse all of the packaging we can, including the brown paper veg bags. We aim to reduce plastics wherever possible. It's important to us that we consider our carbon footprint in everything we do! Most of our veg is packaging free.

PACKAGING & FOOD WASTE

Reducing Waste, Reusing More

At The Paddock, we work hard to minimise packaging by sending most fruit and veg loose or in brown paper bags, never purchasing plastic for our veg boxes and instead reusing what comes from suppliers. While eliminating plastic entirely is challenging, we prioritise suppliers using compostable or minimal packaging wherever possible. Our delivery boxes are also reused rather than newly produced, helping reduce waste and keep costs affordable. We encourage customers to return boxes, egg cartons, bags, and any reusable packaging so we can continue giving materials a second life wherever we can.

Food waste is a major contributor to climate change, so at The Paddock we are committed to operating with zero waste. Through careful pre-ordering and strong relationships with local community initiatives, we minimise surplus and ensure any excess food from our veg box scheme is donated rather than discarded.

ECO DELIVERY PARTNERSHIP

Low Emission Local Deliveries

For our Newcastle customers living within NE1 - NE7 postcodes, The Paddock partners with Bud Couriers to provide a low-impact, eco-friendly delivery service. Using bicycle-powered couriers, this approach helps reduce emissions, congestion, and environmental impact while ensuring your orders arrive fresh and efficiently. It’s a natural extension of our commitment to sustainability, keeping delivery local, responsible, and aligned with the way we care for the land.

ETHICAL FOOD TRADERS

Better Food Traders

We are really proud to be a recognised member of the Better Food Traders Network. Better Food Traders is a UK-wide network that supports and promotes ethical food retailers who sell locally grown, planet-friendly food. Together we'll make the food system better for people & planet. You can read more about what it means to be a Better Food Trader below.

IN HARMONY WITH NATURE

Our Commitment

At The Paddock, we believe in working with nature to produce food that’s better for both people and the planet. Our fruit and veg is always organic, sourced from certified independent farms and grown without chemicals, pesticides, or artificial fertilisers, supporting higher animal welfare, healthier ecosystems, and greater biodiversity.

We prioritise local and UK-grown seasonal produce to reduce food miles, with imported items coming from Europe without air freight. On our smallholding, we use sustainable, low-impact methods, from hand-worked land and solar power to composting systems, tree planting, and wildlife-friendly habitats, to encourage biodiversity. Wherever possible, produce is supplied loose with minimal packaging, and our veg boxes and additional products are carefully selected to uphold strong environmental and ethical standards.

GIVING BACK

Community & Charity

Food provides us all with a strong sense of community. Community is so important to us. At The Paddock we work really hard to contribute to our local community, a one with strong ties & family history.

Part of our commitment to our local community is charitable donations. We aim to support as many local charities as possible. 100% of the donations goes to our chosen charities, with no profit going to The Paddock. Our way of giving something back.

Laura has also volunteered for The Prince's Trust for many years, helping to inspire young people to achieve their dreams.