Sustainability… In everything we do (and wear!)
Posted 13 Sep, 2022
In 2022 we finally opened our spectacular, world-leading gallery – the First Light Pavilion…
image First Light Pavilion with Lovell Telescope
We have worked hard for years to achieve this, so it’s a great moment – both of celebration and relief!
It’s been a big effort, but we have also made time to pay attention to the small details as well. And throughout the whole project, we have focused on sustainability as a guiding principle in all that we do.
One of the lovely things that has come out of this is our fabulous new uniforms…
Until 2020 (when we closed due to COVID) we had a uniform that was mostly based on polyester. We had jolly blue fleeces and polo shirts, plus some very practical rain jackets. They were fine, and very easy-care, but we were also aware that every time we washed a fleece, we contributed to the build-up of microplastic /micro fibres in our oceans, something that ran counter to our commitment to sustainability in everything that we do.
As we went through a process of re-branding as part of First Light, we decided that sourcing new uniforms was an opportunity for us to address this, transferring to using natural fabrics, sustainable production and prioritising our community values.
The uniform now has a ‘hero’ denim utility jacket, created in partnership with Community Clothing and sporting our wonderful new ‘west facing’ logo on the back.
Community was founded by Patrick Grant (yes him off the telly). It manufactures garments in UK factories, utilising off-peak production cycles, longevity of design as opposed to short lived disposable fashion, and invests in local partnerships in order to create jobs and sustain communities.
‘We make ethical, sustainable clothes an affordable choice so that everyone can buy clothes they feel great about wearing and play their part in restoring economic prosperity in places they care about.’
We also have a new cream polo shirt made from 100% organic cotton sourced from Stanley/Stella – a company whose sustainability values align with our own. Here are the shirts on the embroidery production line before they arrived at Jodrell Bank!
And in the end … we decided that our dark blue rain jackets were actually perfectly serviceable, and we should re-use them, rather than sourcing new ones.
So – off they went to Infinity Inc so that they could sew a new embroidered patch on the sleeve to cover the old logo.
Job done!
More from Jodrell Bank
How curious...
Enjoy out-of-this-world fun this summer!
Get ready for out-of-this-world summer fun at Jodrell Bank with activities and events for all ages!
Summer Solstice 2024: Alan Garner Day Speakers
This June, Jodrell Bank hosts an inspiring day of panels, lectures and workshops in celebration of revered local writer Alan Garner. Read more about each event here and book tickets today!
Jodrell Bank welcomes HRH The Princess Royal in celebration of UNESCO World Heritage status
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited us in January to mark the occasion of Jodrell Bank Observatory being awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2019.
PREPARE FOR LAUNCH: Adventure awaits at Jodrell Bank this February Half Term!
As February half term approaches, prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey to Jodrell Bank, where science, discovery, and family fun collide in an out-of-this-world experience. This year, we are thrilled to introduce a captivating addition to our lineup – the brand new science show, "Curious Kids."
Visions of the Night Sky: New Exhibition at Jodrell Bank
From distant galaxies and nebulae to our very own corner of Cheshire, this exhibition will take you on a journey through space in stunning detail - all included in the price of entry!
How does the Lovell Telescope work?
The Lovell Telescope collects radio waves - a kind of light which is invisible to us. But how does it all work?
Women Shaping Science
This month, we marked International Women’s Day by celebrating the careers, inspirations, and contributions of just some of the incredible women working across Jodrell Bank and the SKA Observatories.
Celebrating British Science Week
The 7-16 March marks British Science Week, and to celebrate the occasion, we were delighted to welcome White Rose Education to Jodrell Bank!
A different kind of radio wave: Jodrell Bank hosts Doves album party
Jodrell Bank is known for its cutting-edge science, but it’s also a ‘spiritual home’ for musicians, too! We were thrilled to host Doves and their fans for an exclusive Dome Show listening party for their new album, Constellations for the Lonely.
Director recognised as ‘Game changer’, with land-art installation in celebration of National Lottery’s 30th birthday.
The achievements of The University of Manchester and Jodrell Bank’s Director, Teresa Anderson has been celebrated through a giant piece of natural art in the grounds of Whitby Abbey.
Explore the Skies at Jodrell Bank
Learn to navigate the night sky at a Jodrell Bank Astro Night - with both family-friendly and adult evenings, your journey to the cosmos starts here