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
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We set our computer hard drives to enter sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity
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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
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We unplug devices on chargers when fully charged
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We turn off lights when not in use, and overnight
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We keep our light bulbs clean because dirty bulbs reduce light by as much as 50%
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We have replaced existing non-efficient bulbs with high-efficiency CFL’s and/or LED’s
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We avoid using upside-down CFL’s
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We use daylight instead of artificial lighting when possible
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We use light paint colors to help bounce light around our interior spaces
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We have eliminated unnecessary light fixtures
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We use Energy Star rated appliances (at a minimum)
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We use rechargeable batteries
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We unplug infrequently used devices to eliminate vampire power usage
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We have lowered the hot water temperature controller in our boiler
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We use unheated, or least heated, water whenever possible
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We have installed programmable thermostats and have shifted ambient temperatures +/- 3 degrees
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We take care of our HVAC system with annual maintenance
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We open windows or use fans to delay the need for air conditioning
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We have replaced single paned windows with double paned, high R-value glazing
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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
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We implement an outdoor landscape water conservation policy
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We water lawns and flower beds at night (between 8:00pm and 8:00am)
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We have discovered and fixed leaky toilets and faucets
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We have replace older toilets with newer more water-efficient models
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We have installed aerators on faucets
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We follow regular maintenance schedules and do not over clean
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We use entrance mats
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We use a green dry cleaner
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We pack our lunches in reusable containers and avoid baggies and/or brown/plastic sacks
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We use reusable containers for beverages and avoid disposable plastic beverage bottles
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We try to source and use products that were designed to be water, energy, and resource efficient
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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
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We recycle as many office supplies and as much equipment as possible
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We coordinate the drop-off of recyclables at their proper recycling locations
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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
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We dedicate a copier/printer for draft prints and reuse scrap paper with it
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We use Draft/Fast print mode as a default setting
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We use low-ink fonts for word processing
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We use double-sided and multi-up printing when possible
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We use Print Preview and Shrink to Fit functions
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We have upgraded to an all-in-one device
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We use reusable shopping bags
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We use recycled content/recyclable shelving, storage containers, and cabinets
- We try to use other recycled content products when possible
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We have eliminated disposable items such as cups, plates, and silverware from our kitchen
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We order supplies by phone, email or Internet when possible
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We use environmentally friendly cleaning supplies with no/low VOC’s and no/low toxicity
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We try to eliminate desperation purchasing which leads to compromised decision making
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We try to reuse instead of purchasing new when possible
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We look for eco-labels and third party certifications from recognized/legitimate entities
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We try to use near-sourcing and to buy local for it’s social, environmental, and economic benefits when possible
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We look for natural and/or organic products when possible
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We promote public transportation/mass transit, carpooling, scooters, bicycling and walking
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We telecommute, teleconference, web conference and/or skype when possible
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We encourage staff to take greening concepts home
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We accept resumes/cover letters online and pre-screen candidates over the phone
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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
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We reduce outgoing printed marketing materials
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We print on post consumer waste (PCW) paper with soy inks
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We use 100% recycled polyester banners printed with soy inks
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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
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We make our website the main portal to our business
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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
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We use pitchers and glasses at meetings as opposed to serving bottled water
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We use reusable signs, folders, flash drives, dry erase boards and name badges at our meetings
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We donate leftover food to shelters or food banks after meetings
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We provide eco-friendly swag at meetings
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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
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We properly maintain our vehicles to improve fuel efficiency and to reduce emissions
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We try to plan ahead so as to avoid overnight/expedited shipping
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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