Here’s what I do to keep my business as environmentally friendly as possible.
1. This is the most important one of all, I shop local. For example, I use local framer Cris Pera, owner of The Artisan frame shop offers many eco-friendly frames in her fabulous shop. I also use a great company called Plywerk for some of my photo finishing products, not only are they local but they use sustainable materials like bamboo for their products. And I work with an awesome local book artist to put together one of the most earth friendly photo books available. This is not only awesome because it helps to build the local economy and community, it also reduces the use of packaging and shipping.
2. I support and refer local businesses running their shops in an eco-thoughtful way. For example: I have my brochures and signage printed at Negative Perfection in SE Portland. They are a super friendly shop and they have great post-consumer recycled paper options, which I use for all of my printed materials. Also when a client is looking for help in planning their wedding I’ll send them to Emily Michel because I know that she focuses on planning events in an earth friendly way and I know she does a brilliant job.
3. I offer prints, cards, and albums on 100% recycled paper.
4. I drive a gas efficient car, I car pool, and I group together my errands so that I’m not driving all over town unnecessarily. I also live within a mile of my studio and often bike to work.
5. I eat locally grown foods whenever possible, and I’m a vegetarian, yay.
6. I work co-operatively with other local artists, sharing space and resources can have a profound effect on how much each person will use and/or waste.
7. I recycle my tech waste at our wonderful resource Free Geek.
8. I keep my heating and a/c on a timer so that they aren’t running while I’m out I also keep the place comfortably cool and throw on a sweater if I get chilly. I also use compact fluorescent bulbs in my lamps at work and home.
9. I actively seek products with a lower impact on the environment.
10. I use recycled paper and materials in all of my packaging and ship things in the most effective and least impactful way possible.
I hope you find this list helpful. Living in Portland these things may seem old hat, but sharing ideas is a fantastic way to build our community and brainstorm. Please comment here with additional eco-sensible ideas you have incorporated into your life and work.
