The Free Trade Inn details its sustainability approach across several operational areas.The business prioritises local sourcing for both food and beverages. All food is sourced from local suppliers with good provenance. For beer, the Inn actively uses local brewers, with two core beers from North East breweries accounting for approximately 15% of business. A 'no plastic kegs' policy is implemented with direct suppliers, and efforts are made to ship beers from further afield efficiently, including splitting pallets with other pubs. Coffee is sourced from a local roastery that works with fair trade farmers and uses bike couriers for local deliveries. Supplier sustainability is a consideration, with examples including North Brew Co, Ascension Cider Co, Queer Brewing Co, and Ideal Day Brewing, and the Inn has initiated documentation of suppliers' environmental impacts.Waste reduction and circularity are central to operations. The Inn operates a reduce, reuse, and recycle policy supported by a commercial waste contract. Since 2019, plastic and glass recycling needs have reportedly reduced by over 50%, and general waste consumption has decreased. A single-use plastics policy is in place, avoiding plastic bottles and packaging, and returns schemes are active for glass bottles. Recycled and recyclable products are prioritised for consumables, and the business aims to find a reusable alternative for biodegradable single-use cups. Waste production is understood via a Waste Streams document.Energy and water consumption are actively managed. Measures include timers and thermostatic controls for heating, Wi-Fi enabled timers for high-usage appliances to monitor consumption, and staff training to switch off unnecessary equipment. Energy and water usage are monitored through spreadsheets, meter reads, and appliance-specific data.The Free Trade Inn also focuses on social responsibility. The venue has a history of diversity, known as LGBTQ+ friendly, with this reflected in its workforce. A strict harassment policy and associated staff training are in place. While accessibility is challenging due to the building's layout, efforts have been made for wheelchair access in the main pub, though not the toilets. Staff training records are maintained, and employee satisfaction is monitored through formal and informal methods, including an upcoming survey. The business complies with UK employment laws, paying at least the Real Living Wage, and uses internal systems for HR and payroll. Cultural opportunities are provided through collaborations with local artists and occasional live music events.Sustainability efforts are communicated to customers through in-venue posters and social media, with plans to leverage a sustainability portal for broader communication internally and externally.