Principles
I have a personal commitment to environmental protection and social responsibility, and I strive to apply these principles to each aspect my business. In Paul Hawken's book, The Ecology of Commerce, he outlines the characteristics of sustainable businesses.
Sustainable Businesses:
- Replace nationally and internationally produced items with products created locally and regionally.
- Take responsibility for the effects they have on the natural world.
- Do not require exotic sources of capital in order to develop and grow.
- Engage in production processes that are human, worthy, dignified, and intrinsically satisfying.
- Create objects of durability and long-term utility whose ultimate use or disposition will not be harmful to future generations.
- Change consumers to customers through education.
Here is how I am applying these principles to my photography, woodwork, and computer work.
Photography
Okay, so my camera, lenses, computer, and printer were all made in Asia. That is nearly impossible to avoid. At least my camera body and all of my lenses were bought used. My film and my photo mounting materials (mat board, etc.) are purchased from businesses based in New York State. While the film developing process still uses hazardous chemicals, I use digital film scanning and printing to avoid the toxic stuff inherent in the chemical printing process. I only use archival materials for my prints, including mounting materials, so that my work can last at least a lifetime. To offset the environmental impact of my photography, I will donate $1 from each photo sale to ensure that a tree is planted somewhere in the United States.
Woodwork
For my rustic woodwork, I am making use of wood that would otherwise be considered waste, and I don't need to leave town to get it. Unless it is utterly impractical, I forgo the use of power tools and apply a little elbow grease. I buy high-quality tools, often pre-owned ones, that should last at least my lifetime. When I can, I get supplies from locally owned businesses. If I mail order supplies, I usually use a business based in New York State, and their products are made in the USA or Canada. I insist on using non-toxic wood finishes (my current favorite, Tried & True, is made near Ithaca, NY). Aside from the polyurethane glue that I use, my woodwork projects are entirely biodegradable (if you leave them outside). With proper care, my products are built to last generations. If it is not beautiful and useful, I don't want to make it.
Computer Work
Let's face it: computers are an environmental disaster. They are full of toxic chemicals and use ridiculous amounts of energy. However, I wouldn't be able to do business without mine. I use a laptop that I bought in 2000 and have no intention of replacing it soon, barring a major failure. When I do replace it, I intend to send it to an office equipment recycler. Laptops use a fraction of the electricity that desktop systems use (mine averages about 25 Watts, while most desktop computers have 250 Watt power supplies, not counting the monitor). I make good use of my computer's power saving features, I don't leave it on when I don't need to, and I only turn on my peripherals (printer, scanners) when I am presently using them. My goal is to someday run my computer equipment entirely with solar panels. Of course, every item you buy from me gets me closer to that goal.
In conclusion, I hope this was educational. If you have questions or see a way that I can do better, please send me an email.