January 25th 2021

The Terra Carta is full of actions that make an impact and align very closely with the aims and values of BEAMZ.

We were particularly struck by this section:

“For nearly every problem we face, Nature, with the benefit of billions of years of evolution, has already provided us with the solutions.

Universal principles rooted in the harmony of Nature’s patterns, cycles and geometry, which ancient civilizations and indigenous peoples have known all too well, need to be harnessed to inform science, technology, design and engineering and can, in fact, drive a sustainable future.

But time is fast running out and we are rapidly wiping out, through mass extinctions, many of Nature’s unique treasure trove of species from which we can develop innovative and sustainable products for the future.

Timelines for change must be brought forward if we are to make a transformative shift by the end of the decade and before it is too late.”

One of the solutions we think nature has given the planet is the wooden pole.

When hollowed out and dried, it becomes an excellent construction material.

Our first example is a hardwood frame for bicycles. It is equally strong as the alternatives, more durable, and much more sustainable. And with its ability to capture carbon, a positive alternative that brings happiness to the rider.

Another aspect of working with wood, especially the coppicing method of farming, is that it invigorates the environment and wildlife around it.

Working with wood is also beneficial for people’s mental health, not only in the open but also in the workshop. We aim to create as many pleasant jobs as possible across the UK with BEAMZ workshops and coppices.

Together these make our 3 Positive Impacts

These may be turbulent times but within the maelstrom, there is a chance we, as a planet, can turn it around, which is why people of like-minded natures should join forces and spread inspiration.

Background to Terra Carta

After 50 years of campaigning for the environment, HRH the Prince of Wales launched the Terra Carta on Monday 11th January 2021

The Terra Carta outlines ten areas for action and comprises of nearly 100 actions for business as the basis of a recovery plan that puts Nature, People and Planet at the heart of global value creation.

It is based on a series of recommendations developed over the past year, by a coalition of global business leaders in almost every sector.

Together, they have developed a charter of ambitious, but practical action aimed at building a truly sustainable future.

The Terra Carta will serve as the guiding mandate for the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) which will catalyse, showcase and celebrate progress along the way and over the next ten years and will be updated annually by the SMI to reflect the rapid pace of change and continuous progress being achieved around the world.

You can download the Terra Carta here: https://www.sustainable-markets.org/terra-carta

About BEAMZ Trust CIC

BEAMZ Trust CIC is a Social Enterprise based in Southampton, which is developing innovative methods of using locally grown hardwood poles as a structural material that can replace unsustainable alternatives such as metals and composites.

Working initially to produce bicycles, we are putting wood head to head with the best materials available.

Undertaking this development under the auspices of a not-for-profit social enterprise enables us to create three positive impacts.

1. Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to reduce climate change,

2. Support for wildlife diversity, by encouraging sustainable wood production through coppice working,

3. Provision of high wellbeing employment and volunteering positions, from working in woods and with wood, and working to “make a difference”.

BEAMZ aims to demonstrate that high-performance products can be created, not simply at a reduced cost to the environment and society, but the production process will create positive benefits for individuals and communities alike.