Green Pledge

Start Afresh Mediation and Joanna Tloczek, mediator are (a) supporter(s) of and signatory(ies) to the World Mediators Alliance on Climate Change (WoMACC) Green Pledge.

As a family mediator who recognises the urgent need to reduce my personal and professional impact on the climate, and to share this commitment with others, I am committed to the following:

1. When considering with (potential) clients whether their mediation assessment is to take place online or in person, I will explicitly consider the environmental impact of that decision.
2. When considering with clients what form their mediation should take, and in particular, whether their mediation is to take place online or in-person, I will explicitly discuss with them the environmental impact of that decision in the context of all other key factors such as safety, effectiveness and accessibility.
3. At all times during the mediation process, I will correspond by electronic means, unless hard copy correspondence is expressly required in the circumstances while recognising that electronic communication itself is carbon emitting and should be limited to what is necessary.
4. Unless there is a special need to do so arising from the nature of the discussions or financial disclosure, I will not request hard copies of documents to be provided to me and I will discourage the use of hard copy documents generally.
5. If screen sharing/video technology is appropriate, accessible and acceptable to all concerned, I will encourage its use in all aspects of my mediation practice.
6. At all times during the mediation process, I will consider the most environmentally friendly way to travel if travel is necessary, and, if appropriate, encourage my clients to do the same.
7. In multi-party or supported mediations, I will encourage participants and their advisers to consider the necessity of participants attending mediation in person if that attendance involves significant travel and is not necessary.
8. Wherever possible, I will encourage my clients and their advisers to consider the most environmentally friendly venue for their mediation. At mediation venues, I will encourage, wherever possible, an environmentally friendly approach to the use of consumables (for example the avoidance of single-use plastic) and the use of energy (for example reviewing the level of air conditioning and heating).
9. I will consider the appropriateness of travelling to, and my mode of travel to and from, conferences and other events and wherever possible will encourage and use live streaming/remote participation options.
10. I will offset the carbon emissions of any flights or significantly carbon-emitting journeys I make to and from mediations.
11. I will take steps to reduce the environmental impact of my office/workplace, conducting a formal or informal environmental audit or “carbon conversation” from time to time
12. I will seek to replicate this pledge in my personal life wherever appropriate.
13. I will seek to raise awareness of this pledge, for example by referring to it and the World Mediators Alliance on Climate Change on my website and/or email footer, and by encouraging my colleagues and mediation organisations to follow suit. 

14 June 2024