Ethics and Sustainability Pledge
“To all my patients, existing, and yet to be,
When I decided to start my own business, I knew I wanted to create a place where ethics and sustainability were at the forefront. I believe that systemic change is needed in our world, and that can only be achieved when we put people before profit. And while I don’t think I can change the world, I can create a business that I am proud of, that embodies ‘People before Profit’.
This pledge is a changeable living thing. It is open to development, change and learning. The ambition to be sustainable and ethical is not a one stop shop. It is a commitment to learning and unlearning behaviours. So if you have any feedback, please feel free to get in touch.
Stay well,
Alice”
Sustainability
Unfortunately, there is a non negotiable amount of clinical waste in order to practise in a safe and clean manner. So it is really important to make steps where it is possible.
Needles
A D Acupuncture uses needles that are in multipacks, reducing plastic waste. Where appropriate, A D Acupuncture uses Acurea ECO needles with Bamboo guide tubes. These are the most environmentally friendly needles out there and donations made with each purchase to the Chinese Medicine Forestry Trust.
Cleaning
All A D Acupuncture cleaning products are Eco conscious, vegan, cruelty free products. They are bought in wholesale containers to reduce packaging. The packaging is also recycled and recyclable.
Grey Gate Candles
The candles burnt at A D Acupuncture are soy based, vegan and cruelty free. They are hand made in Brockley by the lovely Stefi.
Orders
All products and orders are made in bulk, to ensure reduced packaging and shipping.
Banking
Money talks! And that’s why no banking within the company operates with banks who invest in any of the nasties.
Charity
A D Acupuncture donates a percentage of revenue to charity every month. The charity changes every three months. Find more details here.
Ethics
As well as creating a sustainable business, it is also important to create an ethical business. And while environmental sustainability falls into this, it is a far wider issue.
Cultural respect for Chinese Medicine
A D Acupuncture is a business that profits off a culture from which we are not descended from. It is a practice from another culture’s traditions and history. A D Acupuncture will always try to honour this and often discuss this with patients in clinic. As Chinese Medicine practitioners, it is essential to steer the industry away from appropriation and respect the people and traditions from which we work.
Being an ally
A D Acupuncture aims to be an ally to marginalised communities. Whether it is issues of race, gender or sexuality, A D Acupuncture wants to speak out, show support and have what can sometimes be tough, uncomfortable dialogue. Despite lots of advice not to discuss politics and world issues with customers, A D Acupuncture won’t stay silent.
Continuous Learning
Alice Douglas is actively involved in bias and inclusivity work. This work sits close to Alice’s heart as well as being essential in providing excellent care to all patients at A D Acupuncture.
Zero Tolerance Policy
A D Acupuncture has zero tolerance for hate speech. Any derogatory comments will be called out, and those patients will be asked to leave. A D Acupuncture is not afraid of losing patients for this reason. Luckily, this has never happened. In fact, our patients are amazing and so many share the values of the business.