Sustainable Practices

  • We are members of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC)
  • We recycle our printer ink cartridges
  • We set our computer monitors to enter sleep mode after 5 minutes of inactivity
  • We set our computer hard drives to enter sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity
  • We dim the brightness settings of our computer monitors
  • We turn off our computers and monitors when not in use, and overnight
  • We have changed the energy consumption on our laptops to the lowest setting, plugged in, or not
  • We unplug devices on chargers when fully charged
  • We turn off lights when not in use, and overnight
  • We keep our light bulbs clean because dirty bulbs reduce light by as much as 50%
  • We have replaced existing non-efficient bulbs with high-efficiency CFL’s and/or LED’s
  • We avoid using upside-down CFL’s
  • We use daylight instead of artificial lighting when possible
  • We use light paint colors to help bounce light around our interior spaces
  • We have eliminated unnecessary light fixtures
  • We use Energy Star rated appliances (at a minimum)
  • We use rechargeable batteries
  • We unplug infrequently used devices to eliminate vampireĀ power usage
  • We have lowered the hot water temperature controller in our boiler
  • We use unheated, or least heated, water whenever possible
  • We have installed programmable thermostats and have shifted ambient temperatures +/- 3 degrees
  • We take care of our HVAC system with annual maintenance
  • We open windows or use fans to delay the need for air conditioning
  • We have replaced single paned windows with double paned, high R-value glazing
  • We use copiers/printers that are sized appropriately for our output
  • We run our office/studio off of solar electric energy derived from photovoltaic roof mounted panels
  • We implement an outdoor landscape water conservation policy
  • We water lawns and flower beds at night (between 8:00pm and 8:00am)
  • We have discovered and fixed leaky toilets and faucets
  • We have replace older toilets with newer more water-efficient models
  • We have installed aerators on faucets
  • We follow regular maintenance schedules and do not over clean
  • We use entrance mats
  • We use a green dry cleaner
  • We pack our lunches in reusable containers and avoid baggies and/or brown/plastic sacks
  • We use reusable containers for beverages and avoid disposable plastic beverage bottles
  • We try to source and use products that were designed to be water, energy, and resource efficient
  • We try to source and use products that were designed to reduce toxicity, materials needed, and waste
  • We favor vendors with environmental policies in place
  • We recycle as many office supplies and as much equipment as possible
  • We coordinate the drop-off of recyclables at their proper recycling locations
  • We encourage staff participation in recycling efforts
  • We recycle and donate electronics (e-waste) instead of disposing of them
  • We go paperless when possible
  • We use 30% – 100% non-chlorine, Post Consumer Waste (PCW) office paper
  • We eliminate the cover page and reduce the sheet count when faxing
  • We use electronic vs. paper forms whenever possible
  • We send digital thank you cards, invitations, invoices, receipts, etc.
  • We use online banking and paperless statements
  • We use scrap paper or recycled post-its
  • We think before we print, and try not to print unless it is essential
  • We use scanners and software to create/store documents in PDF format
  • We dedicate a copier/printer for draft prints and reuse scrap paper with it
  • We use Draft/Fast print mode as a default setting
  • We use low-ink fonts for word processing
  • We use double-sided and multi-up printing when possible
  • We use Print Preview and Shrink to Fit functions
  • We have upgraded to an all-in-one device
  • We use reusable shopping bags
  • We use recycled content/recyclable shelving, storage containers, and cabinets
  • We try to use other recycled content products when possible
  • We have eliminated disposable items such as cups, plates, and silverware from our kitchen
  • We order supplies by phone, email or Internet when possible
  • We use environmentally friendly cleaning supplies with no/low VOC’s and no/low toxicity
  • We try to eliminate desperation purchasing which leads to compromised decision making
  • We try to reuse instead of purchasing new when possible
  • We look for eco-labels and third party certifications from recognized/legitimate entities
  • We try to use near-sourcing and to buy local for it’s social, environmental, and economic benefits when possible
  • We look for natural and/or organic products when possible
  • We promote public transportation/mass transit, carpooling, scooters, bicycling and walking
  • We telecommute, teleconference, web conference and/or skype when possible
  • We encourage staff to take greening concepts home
  • We accept resumes/cover letters online and pre-screen candidates over the phone
  • We use blogs and social networking to communicate with staff and prospective clients
  • We provide sustainability training sessions to other businesses
  • We have opted out of unnecessary catalogs and unwanted mailings
  • We reduce outgoing printed marketing materials
  • We print on post consumer waste (PCW) paper with soy inks
  • We use 100% recycled polyester banners printed with soy inks
  • We have eliminated the design of printed pieces that can become obsolete
  • We focus direct mail with selective marketing to key audience
  • We update our mailing lists and remove irrelevant, undeliverable or duplicate addresses
  • We include our URL on all printed materials to drive people to our website
  • We make our website the main portal to our business
  • We use a preferred Green Certified travel agent when we travel
  • We rent hybrid/alternative fuel vehicles when we travel
  • We choose green hotels when we travel
  • We opt out of every day sheet and towel service when we travel
  • We turn off lights, HVAC and electronics upon leaving the hotel room when we travel
  • We use pitchers and glasses at meetings as opposed to serving bottled water
  • We use reusable signs, folders, flash drives, dry erase boards and name badges at our meetings
  • We donate leftover food to shelters or food banks after meetings
  • We provide eco-friendly swag at meetings
  • We use local and sustainable products when possible
  • We try to reduce our carbon footprint when possible
  • We try to service clients in the same area on the same day
  • We employ route planning/optimization and use GPS
  • We try to reduce idling when possible
  • We try to avoid rush hour
  • We use wireless technology to make mobile work more efficient
  • We properly maintain our vehicles to improve fuel efficiency and to reduce emissions
  • We try to plan ahead so as to avoid overnight/expedited shipping
  • We reuse packaging materials and use packaging made from recycled/recyclable/biodegradable materials
  • We communicate the importance of greening business practices to others
  • We try to motivate and influence others to be more sustainable
  • We have a full set of separated recycling bins in our office/studio to address glass, plastic, white paper, junk mail, cardboard, metal, etc.
  • We have received an energy audit
  • We have upgraded older equipment to high efficiency models
  • We have plants in our workplace
  • We volunteer for environmental causes
  • We have vehicles with excellent gas mileage to use when we don’t need to use the guzzlers
  • We are in the process of converting all company handbooks, portfolios and literature to digital format
  • We make it easy for customers to opt out of mailings and to receive mail electronically