Here at JCM/Balance we are absolutely committed to reducing our environmental footprint. Here is a list of what we already do and what is in the planning stage.

The Journal

The Journal of Chinese Medicine is printed on Forestry Stewardship Council accredited paper and is shipped inside a fully compostable/biodegradable bag made from potato and maize starch. It contains no plastic.

Energy efficacy

We have solar panels fitted to our warehouse roof which both generate electricity for our own needs and feed the surplus back into the National Grid.

Packaging

We use biodegradable packaging wherever possible. Using our 100% recycled paper packing we saved 14 trees from being cut down in 2018 whilst avoiding adding to plastic and other non-biodegradable waste.

Services from sustainable suppliers

Our main outsourced service provider is our courier DPD who we selected as they are the only service that is carbon neutral.

Using less paper and cardboard

We now send our statements via email rather than post and we recycle boxes wherever possible.

Products

We offer, and are looking to increase our offering of, sustainable products which will not only benefit customers in the clinic but can be used in the home. Examples include double-walled steel water bottles which we sell at cost in order to to replace plastic bottles, and couch rolls and hand towels made from recycled material.

Product development

We are currently working with acupuncture needle manufactures to develop recyclable packaging and cleaner sterilisation methods. We are well advanced on a solution to replace the plastic guide tubes with fully biodegradable one made from managed and sustainable resources. More exciting news to follow soon on this subject.