Ethics and Sustainability at Sprouts of Bristol
At Sprouts, we believe good business should be rooted in more than just profit.
From the very beginning, we’ve worked with the three Ps in mind:
People, Planet, Profit – in that order.
We’re always learning, improving, and doing our best to create a business that’s joyful, responsible, and rooted in care – for our team, our customers, our makers, and the planet.
Planet-First Packaging
We ship all online orders in plastic-free, recyclable packaging – using paper tape, compostable wrap, and shredded recycled cardboard wherever possible. It’s not just about looking nice (although it does) – it’s about keeping our environmental impact as low as we can.
Occasionally, you might spot some plastic in your parcel – like bubble wrap or padding. Don’t worry – it’s always reused, never new. Any plastic packaging has been donated to us by local businesses or customers, and is being reused for at least the second time. We encourage you to pass it on again if you can.
Real Wages
We’ve always paid the Living Wage, and we’re proud to now be accredited by the Living Wage Foundation. For us, people will always come before profit – and we’ll always choose to build a business that values its team properly.
Supporting UK Brands & Makers
We love working with UK-based artists, designers, and independent makers. Whether it’s pottery, prints, candles or cards, we choose suppliers whose values align with ours.
We also buy wholesale rather than on sale-or-return, so the risk stays with us – not our makers. That means every item we stock has been chosen with intention and respect.
Sourcing Locally Grown Plants
Most houseplants sold in the UK are imported from Holland – but we’re working hard to change that. We’re committed to increasing the number of British-grown plants we offer and building relationships with UK nurseries wherever possible.
It’s a work in progress – but one we believe is worth doing right.
Reuse, Reduce, Recycle
We reuse as much packaging as we can – from boxes to bubble wrap – to help reduce our environmental footprint.
Your order might not arrive in a glossy branded box, but it will be carefully packed and safely delivered. Every reused bit of packaging is one less single-use item in the system.
Local? We’re always on the lookout for spare clean packaging – feel free to drop off bubble wrap or cardboard boxes at the shop if you have any going spare!
This Is Just the Beginning
From our award-winning RHS show garden to the tiniest terrarium kit, we aim to make every part of our business a little greener, more thoughtful, and more joyful.
We’re not perfect, but we’re proud of how far we’ve come – and even more excited about where we’re headed.
