In conversation with Mark Blackwell, Sustainable Stowe member!
What inspired you to champion sustainability within Stowe?
Growing up in the countryside, I’ve always felt a real connection to nature. Protecting the environment has been important to me for as long as I can remember. So, when I saw the chance to join Stowe’s sustainability group, I jumped at it! It felt like the perfect way to bring my passion for the environment into my work and make a real difference.
Why is sustainability important to us at Stowe?
At Stowe, we’re here to support people through some of the toughest moments of their lives. But, we also want to be a positive force in the communities where our clients and colleagues live. Being the UK’s leading family law firm means we have a great platform to make a real impact beyond just our legal work. By focusing on sustainability, we’re contributing positively to communities.
Can you share a bit about any recent sustainability initiatives we’ve rolled out?
We recently organised a river clean-up with the Yorkshire Dales River trust. A group of us used our volunteering allowance to fish out trolleys in the river Nidd(!) Being out in nature, laughing with colleagues and learning about the work that goes into protecting our waterways was a great experience.
What are some small ways each of us can incorporate sustainability into our daily roles?
If you’re lucky enough to have volunteering days, definitely make use of them! Beyond that, it’s all about a sustainable mindset—little changes like reducing paper use (we’re a paper free firm!) or looking for greener options where possible – taking public transport is a great way to help the environment!
Can you share a moment when you saw the positive effects of our sustainability work, either internally or within the community?
The recent river clean-up in Harrogate was so rewarding. By the end of the day, we had a huge pile of rubbish pulled out, and the difference we made was obvious. Plus, we’ve got a growing “Stowe forest” in Scotland, with over 400 trees already planted. It’s great knowing we’re leaving something positive for the future—and we’re always looking to add more trees!
