In line with the philosophy of the person-centred approach, and the aims and objectives of the Norwich Centre & Norwich Centre Projects Ltd, we believe that we have a responsibility towards both humankind and our planet to ensure the quality of our relationship with the world and our way of being in the world.

Writing in ‘A Way of Being’ in 1980, Rogers outlined the qualities of the person of tomorrow, (Rogers, 1980, p350-352) including ‘Attitude towards nature.  They feel a closeness to and a caring for elemental nature.  They are ecologically minded, and they get their pleasure from an alliance with the forces of nature, rather than in the conquest of nature’.

We believe that some activities conflict with our aims, objectives and core philosophy and that companies and organisations involved with, or with a poor record in these areas should be avoided.

The direct environmental impact of the Norwich Centre and Norwich Centre Projects’ operations arises from our use of: resources, energy, transport, our choice of products and services, and our disposal of waste.  In deciding what to purchase, how to operate and where to invest, we will take the above into consideration.  We will aim to make ethical decisions and to reduce our impact on the environment. We will be mindful of the need to balance this with the duty to maximise the funds available for the charitable work of the Norwich Centre.

In practical terms this means we will support organisations which are committed to making positive contributions to society and the environment:

We will buy environmentally friendly and sustainable products and services.

We will buy locally produced, Fair Trade and/or organic products where possible.

We will audit our financial arrangements to ensure we are not compromising our policy.

We will actively seek to re-use and recycle goods and materials wherever possible.

We will minimise the use of materials and energy.

We will reduce the production of waste.

We will seek to minimise car use, keep flying to a minimum and promote the use of public transport, cycling or walking.

We will use suppliers who promote social justice.

We will not condone or collude with organisations or individuals who engage in activities which compromise our integrity.

We will avoid using suppliers who fund hate directly or indirectly, for example by advertising in publications or on websites which encourage prejudice against and oppression of any sector of society, and we will not advertise our services in such publications or on websites.

Further reading - see Tudor, L E, Keemar, K, Tudor, K, Valentine, J and Worrall, M (2004) ‘The Person-Centred Approach A Contemporary Introduction’ New York: Palgrave MacMillan

Rogers, C R (1980) A way of Being.  New York: Houghton Mifflin