We are all mindful of protecting our planet for future generations to enjoy, but Steven Smith has turned it into a profession.

Steven recycles as much as he can from his home and tries to cut down on car-use where possible, and is also environmental manager of Hallmark, one of the world’s largest greeting cards companies.

His responsibilities range from guaranteeing the sustainability of trees used in the card creation process to ensuring the company’s Heaton headquarters, Dawson Lane manufacturing facility and Brighouse distribution depot are as energy-efficient as possible.

Steven’s interest in the environment stems from his studies. He was aware of the increasing importance of sustainability while studying for a degree in environmental management at Leeds University.

A project involving quality management with Hallmark during his studies introduced him to the company he would join once he had completed his degree.

When he joined Hallmark in 2003, Steven was involved in running the quality management system in the distribution centre. His role entailed an element of stock control, ensuring the quality of imported products.

After 18 months, he became involved more in the ethical side of the enterprise, co-ordinating suppliers in the Far East and Eastern Europe, monitoring ethical performance and environmental standards, and liaising between Hallmark and its suppliers to ensure the continuity of high standards and quality products. In 2005 he moved into environmental management.

“It’s a mixed bag of all things – no two days are the same,” says Steven. “We are a large consumer of paper, so I ensure we only take paper from sustainable resources and that the paper resources are there in future for us to use.”

He is also responsible for waste and recycling, and ensuring energy-efficiency throughout the company.

Reducing energy consumption is something he is concentrating on ahead of the implementation of the Carbon Reduction Commitment, Government legislation which involves purchasing credits for emissions created through energy use. The legislation, due to be implemented next year, will affect around 6,000 UK businesses.

While conscious the cards they produce eventually end up in the waste stream, Steven says Hallmark’s aim is to manufacture products which consumers are more likely to keep as a memento or keepsake. They also encourage recycling.

Being a keen recycler, Steven has the ideal role, but he’s conscious everyone should take responsibility for protecting our planet.

“I think everybody has a responsibility. If individuals don’t embrace it, things can’t snowball and you can’t have an effect for the greater good.”

Steven says there are several qualities you need for a role like his: “Perseverance and an interest outside your work life has to be a starting point, because if it is something you are not prepared to practice at home it is hard to get people to buy into what you want to do. It’s being able to lead by example.”

For more information about a career in environmental management, contact the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment on (01522) 540069 or go to iema.net.