On Q in the Environment

It was always our wish to produce and package On Q with as little negative and as much positive impact on our environment as possible - both globally and locally. But it was an unexpected pleasure when this wish actually turned out to help us with some of the design and packaging challenges we faced...

Video: Resurrection

About the time we were looking around for an outer box or bag for On Q that would protect the contents through the post and from general wear and tear, we got talking about an apparently unrelated problem: all the surplus videos in the world and what would become of them. Old videos are still on sale in some charity shops, but supply is fast outstripping demand and many shops are now refusing to accept them. It struck us that video boxes are strong, compact and don't have that annoying cardboard lid, which is so easily lost or sat upon... So we sourced empty video boxes from local charity shops, giving us what is in many ways an ideal packaging solution for On Q. Reusing the boxes means we are reducing the plastic that goes into landfill and supporting charities like Scope, the RSPCA, Sue Ryder and Age Concern at the same time.

Elastic Functionality

Take a look at the article 10 uses for a red rubber band from the BBC News Magazine. It seems that there is a bit of a campaign going to keep the Royal Mail's red rubber bands off the streets and out of dustbins. We too wanted to find a use for the hundreds of rubber bands that are posted through our door most mornings. Which leads us to: Uses For a Red Rubber Band, Number 11:

Wrap one around the pencils that come with On Q to keep them together.

Thinking Local

Where possible, we have used local printers and suppliers to produce the contents and marketing materials for On Q. In particular, we have supported - or, more accurately, had support from - Axminster-based artist and designer Heather Fallows and Charmouth-based website designer Tim Heap. We're delighted and infinitely grateful for all the work they have done to help On Q to become a beautiful object and to have a rich online presence.

Developing strong relationships with local people and businesses really pays dividends when it comes to cooperation, commitment, mutual support and respect, and simple enjoyment - all qualities that are a central part of the philosophy and ethos of On Q.