diff --git a/cbreader/settings/base.py b/cbreader/settings/base.py
index a1792b7..8a1d31b 100644
--- a/cbreader/settings/base.py
+++ b/cbreader/settings/base.py
@@ -11,7 +11,8 @@ from dotenv import load_dotenv
 
 BASE_DIR = Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent
 
-load_dotenv(Path(BASE_DIR, '.env'))
+if os.environ.get("DJANGO_SECRET_KEY", False):
+    load_dotenv(Path(BASE_DIR, '.env'))
 
 # Quick-start development settings - unsuitable for production
 # See https://docs.djangoproject.com/en/1.8/howto/deployment/checklist/