In the heart of Malvern, a care provider is taking bold steps to change the way social care thinks about sustainability. Ashwell Home Care Services, a multi-award-winning, family-run organisation known for its compassionate and high-quality care, has launched a new initiative to tackle an often-overlooked issue in the sector: the environmental impact of single-use plastic PPE.
Prompted by insights shared at the recent West Midlands Care Association conference, the team at Ashwell has partnered with sustainability consultancy Beyond Procurement to begin a full-scale review of its environmental practices — starting with the thousands of disposable gloves, aprons, and uniforms used every month.
“Our team uses around 4,000 disposable gloves each month,” explains Director Deb Ashwell. “While infection control remains paramount, we also have a responsibility to consider the long-term impact of our operations on the planet.”
Recognising that sustainability and safety are not mutually exclusive, Ashwell Home Care has launched a multi-phase plan to embed greener practices across its service. Current actions include auditing its carbon footprint, reviewing PPE supply chains for more sustainable alternatives, exploring biodegradable options that still meet safety regulations, and looking into grant funding and offsetting schemes to support a longer-term shift.
“This initiative is about proving that sustainability and safety can go hand in hand — and that even small changes in our sector can lead to meaningful impact,” says Deb Ashwell.
With a strong belief that care for people should also extend to care for the planet, Ashwell Home Care hopes its journey will encourage others in the industry to follow suit. The team is committed to sharing lessons learned and fostering wider discussions on how the care sector can evolve to meet both human and environmental needs.
As climate awareness grows across all industries, Ashwell’s approach offers a timely and inspiring example of how social care providers can innovate with purpose — and lead with both heart and conscience.
To learn more about Ashwell Home Care Services, visit their website: www.ashwellhomecareservices.co.uk
