Irwin Mitchell And Red-Inc Team Up For Recycling Drive

Thanks to national law firm Irwin Mitchell and their suppliers Red-Inc, 88 acres of Amazonian Rainforest in Peru will be protected.

As a result of a Christmas card recycling scheme the two firms launched in January, an additional 88 trees will also be planted in Caledonia Scotland. 

Having plenty of trees and woodland areas is vital to helping reduce climate change, prevent flooding, reduce soil erosion and providing homes to wildlife. 

Figures suggest that only 13% of the UK's total land area is covered in trees, compared with an average elsewhere in the EU of about 35%. And, tropical deforestation accounts for up to 15% of net global carbon emissions each year, contributing to rising temperatures, stronger storms, more severe droughts and rising sea levels caused by climate change.

The Rainforest Trust and their local partners use donations such as these to legally protect indigenous lands for 220 communities in Peru, which will provide protection for endangered species such as the White-bellied Spider Monkey, Giant Otter and the Jaguar.

The initiative forms part of Irwin Mitchell’s commitment to making a positive impact by educating its workforce on environmental issues. 

Members of the public and colleagues at the firm were asked to bring their used cards to drop off points in Irwin Mitchell’s 13 UK offices after Christmas.

For every 200 cards, Red-Inc pledged to arrange for a tree to be planted in Caledonia, Scotland. In addition they promised that for every 400 cards collected an acre of rainforest overseas will be protected through the Rainforest Trust.

Inspired by the great response to the campaign, Red-Inc, who were the UK’s first stationery providers to secure B Corporation status, a mark of high standards in terms of responsible business, doubled their original pledge. An anonymous donor in the US also doubles all pledges to the Rainforest Trust, so in total an equivalent of 44 football stadiums worth of Peruvian Rainforest will be protected. 

The total weight of Christmas cards collected by Irwin Mitchell was 264.50kg, and Red-Inc, have now shredded all to be recycled into new paper and card products. 

Expert Opinion

While e-cards or posting season’s greetings on social media are great alternatives, there are still many people sending and receiving cards at Christmas.

We’re thrilled that the scheme has been a success and that we’ve been able to support vital reforestation projects at home in the UK and abroad. Sarah Ball - Director of Operations

Founder of Red-Inc, Adam Huttly said “This project was the first of its kind on this scale for us and has been a resounding success. It’s great to get companywide engagement on such important issues and it sends a very positive message. We would like to thank everyone at Irwin Mitchell for their input and support."