Reefer Environmental Policy

Respect. Redress. Recover... Reefer

We dislike the word 'green'. We also can't stand the clamour to hype products claiming to save the environment. Yes, we all want to do our best to save the planet, but true sustainability reaches far beyond a label.

At Reefer, our vision for sustainability combines environmental concerns with our desire to provide employment for local people and to promote our wonderful part of the world. Devon has a rich marine heritage and our nearby 'Jurassic Coast' offers fantastic sailing and sport flying opportunities. It is also well known as a county popular for ethical living. We love it.

Sustainability means more than recycling rubbish. We have chosen to work with used sailcloth whenever appropriate. A few products are made using sailmaker's off cuts, roll ends or slight seconds. All products are carefully designed to minimise waste. By using these materials Reefer is helping to reduce or delay landfill and consumption. We also get to enjoy creating new roles for a material that is often rich in character and steeped in adventure.

Our sail loft is as low energy as possible and heated when necessary using carbon neutral wood fuel which we grow on our own land or source from a neighbouring farm. Water comes from our well. We might sound like hippies but we're not. With no mains gas or water it's a very practical (and common) solution.

We only use recycled packaging, generally biodegradable too. We support our local Post Office for most deliveries and use Parcel Force Carbon Neutral Delivery for larger items.

This website is hosted by EcoWebHosting who offset their carbon foot print by planting trees. They have already planted so many that they are actually carbon positive and not just carbon neutral.

The Reefer Sail Company is committed to sustaining local employment and where possible we source sub-components and services locally. We are well aware of the economic savings of sending our manufacturing overseas but believe our customers are prepared to pay a little more for home grown, low carbon footprint products, We can't claim to be as organic as one of our famous neighbours but we share their vision to support local enterprise.

Everyone has a different interpretation of sustainability. Here at Reefer we aim to prove that considering the environment can be innovative, practical and fun.