Simply “Green”

2007
11.13

Here are some things I am doing to work towards a “greener” business:

1. Recycle – I recycle everything I can: product packaging, unusable paper, plastic, etc. I use only paper products that are cotton (tree-friendly) or 100% post-consumer recycled for my business materials. My handmade albums are made from recycled materials or reclaimed mat board.

2. Reuse - I keep all the tiny scraps of paper from cutting and cropping to use later for decoration, paper piecing, and other great uses. I hand make many of my embellishments from paper and items I have around instead of going out to buy it. All of my shipping materials are from prior use and are recyclable, including boxes and packing.

3. Re-purpose - I buy or get most of my storage pieces second-hand. I love the character, charm, and chance to re-purpose something that was originally created to be used for something else.

4. Handmade Paper - I collect used paper, junk mail pieces, etc. to make handmade paper for an original, creative look and feel.  Currently only in 8.5×11 sizes, great for greeting cards.

5. Digital Pages – I offer digital scrapbook pages and greeting cards because it eliminates excess paper and trash. All of these are printed on 100% post-consumer recycled content photo matte paper. I still love the feel of traditional style, but a little bit helps.

6. LED light bulbs – I use them in my office and home. These bulbs not only last indefinitely and reduce energy bills because they put off less heat, they:

  • reduce CO2 emissions, thereby positively affecting the greenhouse effect
  • decrease by 50% the global amount of electricity used for lighting
  • provide higher quality lighting
  • decrease by 10% the total global consumption of electricity (projected to be about 1.8 TW·h/yr, or $120 billion per year, by the year 2025)
  • reduce projected 2025 global carbon emissions by about 300 million metric tons per year
  • create new industries and jobs

Here are some things I plan to do in the near future to work towards a “greener” business:

1. Plant trees for my customers - I will either plant them myself or have an organization help me.

2. Cotton/Recycled Scrapbook Paper – I’m researching paper to be used in albums that is not only archival, but either cotton, tree-free, or 100% recycled.

3. Green Building – I plan to build my own studio using re-purposed furniture from hand-me-downs or secondhand stores, reclaimed lumber for anything else, and zero v.o.c. and solvent free wall paint.

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