Description

Numbers that actually empower small businesses–now that’s accounting! I like to help owners find empowering numbers, using QuickBooks, accounting services, training and consulting. Besides experience with small businesses, I’ve also worked with non-profits, alternative healthcare, construction and eco businesses.

Steps Taken

In my business, I use recycled paper products wherever I can and save or send things electronically instead of printing and mailing. At home, I’m starting a worm bin for my kitchen scraps, am growing veggies on my condo patio and using my dryer less by hanging clothes to dry as much as I can.

Surprising Successes

Most surprising to me is the Seattle and Puget Sound Eco Workshops Calendar I compile. There are SO many more hands-on workshops in all shades of green in this area than I first imagined! Wow. It’s a lot to keep up with. Plus, I put it out on the web before I had completely finished developing the site because the content is just too good not to share, and it’s been surprisingly well-received.

Having Trouble With

Driving less is difficult for me. Currently I drive to my clients’ offices, and I would like to be able to bus or bike or walk when possible.

Giving Back

The Eco Calendar is a huge donation of my time at this stage. I also volunteer with my eco-minded UU church, and have volunteered with my kids’ schools and theatre programs. I buy locally when I can, and am learning as much as I can about all things eco.

Mother Nature’s Organics | www.MotherNaturesOrganics.com

Description

Fresh organic produce home (&business) delivery service.

Steps Taken

We buy local produce as much as possible, use earth freindly cleaning products, we recycle our bins, and wrapping products, we donate extra produce, the damage produce goes to a chicken farmer.

Currently Working On

We are working on developing a co-op drop off system where we can have one person or family in a neighborhood be the drop off point for the families in that neighborhood.

Surprising Successes

I was really excited when I discovered chickens love produce and by donating to the chickens we could reduce our waste to nothing.

Having Trouble With

I am really passionate about getting organic produce to lower income children.

Growing Your Business

I want to provide fresh convenient high quality fruits and vegetables to people.

Giving Back

We purchase fair trade (grow bananas) and as much local produce as possible. We donate to clothes for kids, and volunteers of america, and extra produce to needy familys and food banks. I volunteer when I can to help the homeless, and for an event called giving day.

Deborah Epstein, ND | Lumina Health Naturopathic Medicine

Description

Dr. Epstein is a naturopathic physician licensed by the State of Washington, and graduate of Bastyr University. She focuses on helping people restore their health using natural medicines and treatments that stimulate the body’s own self-healing power. She takes a systemic approach, supporting patients through nourishing food and lifestyle changes, and nautral treatments that support discovery of optimum wellness.

Dr. Epstein’s special interests include:
**Cleansing and Detoxification
**Stress-care, including sleep regulation
**Healing digestive disturbances
…as well as General Medicine – from annual wellness checkups and seasonal illness to managing and treating chronic disease.

Green Steps Taken

I’m just getting this business opened up, and am hoping to learn, by networking with likeminded folks, some things about environmental and sustainability topics that I haven’t thought of on my own.

Currently Working On

I’m a recycler/composter/buy-in-bulk sort of person at home, and will transfer those habits to my business.

Surprising Successes

I’m just getting my practice open in the next couple weeks, so hope to have much to report in the near future!

Having Trouble With

Three areas that I’m planning to investigate include: 1) while I use non-toxic and some home-made cleaners at home, I need to figure out how to meet the different needs for sterility in a doctor’s office, with the least-toxic products I can find. 2) I’m struggling with the issue of throwaway vs. reusable medical tools, specifically gynecological specula – the plastic generates more waste, but the metal ones I think use probably nasty chemicals to sterilize in the pre-treatment phase, and I have to figure out which is the lesser of 2 evils, and 3) over time I’d like to find a good e-records system, so I don’t have to generate and store huge piles of paper (aka charts).

Growing Your Business

I’m definitely looking to work with patients who are passionate about the environment – both the external and internal environments (which are intimately connected, of course!)

Giving Back

I volunteer my time to give talks on health and wellness in the community. I am an avid recycler, composter, pollution-minimizer, consumption-limiter.

Description

OTRA VEZ is the Spanish word for again, or another time. At Otra Vez we believe in the creative reuse of all things used. By giving discarded, unwanted or unneeded items another life through beautiful and unique pieces, Otra Vez takes the concept of RECYCLING into a new realm of possibilities. Reusing materials lengthens the life of individual objects which decreases our impact on the environment. Each of our one-of-a-kind earrings and cards are made from RECLAIMED, RECYCLED, SALVAGED, or VINTAGE materials. At Otra Vez we are passionate about making a difference not only in our environment, but also in the lives of others around the world. We believe in encouraging and empowering all women to independence and a place of self-sustainment. We are also dedicated to offering hope to women, children, and families in war torn countries such as Sudan, Afric! a.
10% of our net proceeds directly support Women for Women International and the Save Darfur Coalition, two excellent non-profit organizations. Check them out at www.savedarfur.org and www.womenforwomen.org

Green Steps Taken

Each of our one-of-a-kind earrings and cards are made from RECLAIMED, RECYCLED, SALVAGED, or VINTAGE materials.
We have had to rethink products so that they appeal to a variety of demographics.

Currently Working On

Photography printed on discarded material, baby clothes and items made from discarded/salvaged textiles.

Surprising Successes

The wonderful response we have had to our products!

Having Trouble With

Time management, and website development.

Growing your business

Being able to give back to others, being stay at home mom’s and providing for our families while expressing ourselves creatively as artists.

Giving Back

We are more so involved in the global community. 10% of our net proceeds directly support Women for Women International and the Save Darfur Coalition, two excellent non-profit organizations. Check them out at www.savedarfur.org and www.womenforwomen.org.

Description

At OTRA VEZ we believe in giving everyone and everything a second chance. Otra Vez is the Spanish word for again, or another time. At Otra Vez we encourage in the creative re-use of all things used. By giving discarded, unwanted or unneeded items another life through beautiful and unique pieces, Otra Vez takes the concept of RECYCLING into a new realm of possibilities. Reusing materials lengthens the life of individual objects, which decreases our impact on the environment. Each of our one-of-a-kind earrings and cards are made from RECLAIMED, RECYCLED, SALVAGED, or VINTAGE materials. At Otra Vez we are passionate about making a difference not only in our environment, but also in the lives of others around the world. We believe in encouraging and empowering all women to independence and a place of self-sustainment. We are also dedicated to offering hope to women, children, and families in war torn countries such as Sudan, Africa.

10% of our net proceeds directly support Women for Women International and the Save Darfur Coalition, two excellent non-profit organizations. Check them out at www.savedarfur.org and www.womenforwomen.org

Green Steps Taken

At Otra Vez each of our one-of-a-kind earrings and cards and gifts are made from RECLAIMED, RECYCLED, SALVAGED, or VINTAGE materials.

Currently Working On

We are currently working on developing Otra Vez to include mosaics, photography printed on discarded material, baby clothes and items made from discarded/salvaged textiles, and finding other socially conscious artists to represent under Otra Vez. And of course, we are always marketing ourselves, our vision, and our products, in hopes of expanding.

Surprising Successes

The amazing response we have had to our products and the warmth with which we are consistently received.

Having Trouble With

Fitting enough work hours into each day, taming our creative minds to focus on our most lucrative and promising ideas.

Growing your business

The best things about watching Otra Vez grow are the increased possibilities we have to raise awareness, give back to others and positively change lives. We also love the idea the of one day being stay at home mom’s and providing for our families while expressing ourselves creatively as artists.

Giving Back

We are all about supporting both our local and global communities. We always buy locally when possible and support other local artists and small businesses. 10% of our net proceeds directly support Women for Women International and the Save Darfur Coalition, two excellent non-profit organizations. Check them out at www.savedarfur.org and www.womenforwomen.org.

Immaculate Housekeeping, LLC

Description

Residential and Commercial Cleaning

Steps Taken

We recently bought reusable, washable bags for our rags in place of plastic bags. We are using water to clean mirrors in place of glass cleaner. I am having to rethink my cleaning method and products in order to become green. I am also trying to restructure how we run the business to become more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Currently Working On

I am working on ways to use less water. I’m looking for a really great disinfectant I can buy in bulk. Also, I am looking for a stainless steel polish that is environmentally safe and still polishes like my current product.

Having Trouble With

I am currently having trouble finding green products that deliver the same results as my current products.

Surprising Successes

Going green will cut down on our overhead and help us operate on a higher level of consciousness.

Growing Your Business

Becoming green and knowing that we are contributing to a greener world though the products we use and the services we provide.

Giving Back

The business donates to Breast Cancer Research each year. We purchase a multipurpose, biodegradable, non-toxic cleaner in bulk. We need to be more involved in the local community…

PlanetaryApothecary.com (launches in Feb 09)

Description

I am writer/editor focusing on projects related to health and wellness. I am also a nutritionist and astrologer and do wellness/astrology consultations.

Currently Working On

My blog, PlanetaryApothecary.com, will launch in the winter while my first book, Planetary Apothecary, comes out in the Spring.

Having Trouble

Remembering that paper scraps and 1/2 written-on pieces of paper can be as inspiring creatively as fresh clean unused pages.

Celebrate Green

The Green Year, LLC
www.celebrategreen.net

Description

The Green Year, LLC is a mother-daughter owned company with a simple goal: to green up the way Americans celebrate.

Green Steps Taken

We strive to walk the green walk in our personal and professional lives. Having said that, we’ll be the first to admit that we’re learning along the way.

Corey Colwell-Lipson

As a business, the most challenging aspect as been to limit the driving for meetings, errands and events. In addition to carpooling, we try to work around this by organizing our day so that the have-tos are done back-to-back.

Currently Working On

Our book, “Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family” debuted on October 1st, 2008.

We also provide speaking and consulation services to individuals, oranizations and businesses on how to make celebrating green simple, affordable and fun.

Corey is also the director of Green Halloween, which is licensed to a Seattle based non-profit called Treeswing.

Surprising Successes

How willing people are to not only think green, but to act green during their most important events of their lives (holidays, birthdays, baby showers, etc.)

Having Trouble With

The elimination of petrochemical-based plastic.

Growing Your Business

Like anyone involved in non-profit and/or environmental work, we are trying to work ourselves out of a job. If everyone began making green choices 365 days a year, there wouldn’t be a need for us; and we’d celebrate!

Giving Back

Green Halloween, the initiative we founded, is a non-profit movement rasing money for worth causes from California to Connecticut. Through sponsorship and our Featured Vendor Program, we’re raising thousands of dollars for organizations doing essential work in our communities. We’re also donating a percentage of our profits (from our book and website advertising) to selected non-profits such as Treeswing and Healthy Child, Healthy World.

Revival Ink | www.RevivalInk.com

Twisted Tree - Gray

Description

Earth friendly apparel for men, women, and baby, hand-printed by a local Seattle designer.

Green Steps Taken

I use all earth friendly solvents from soybeans in my screen printing process, as well as a recirculating water unit for cleaning my screens. I used to print on vintage clothing, now I also print on bamboo and organic cotton fabrics. Since my workshop is in my basement, I have been making a lot of improvements to make my house and shop more energy efficient.

Blossom Wrap

Currently Working On

I am upgrading to a conveyor dryer, which is more energy efficient, and also switching to brand new water based inks that are 100% natural.

Having Trouble With

Making my house/workshop more energy efficient has turned into a very big project, but I am getting there.

Most Important About Growing Business

I plan on staying a pretty small, local business. I may hire an employee or 2 in the future, but I want to stay small because it will be easier for me to ensure my business makes responsible choices for the earth.

Giving Back

I donate clothing to charities on a regular basis, and I have been involved in tutoring Seattle University’s fashion club. I also like talking to other business owners about green options.

Celebrate Green

The Green Year, LLC
www.CelebrateGreen.net

Description:

Our business, The Green Year, is an umbrella for our intellectual property, currently, a book due out in October, “Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family,” as well as our consultancy. We work with individuals and businesses to green up their celebrations.

Corey and Lynn

Green Steps Taken:

We started out green and doing our best in this direction is a basic value. We sought out a green publisher, are keeping hard copy marketing materials to a minimum, support green, sustainable, eco-friendly, Fair Trade businesses. We’re giving a portion of the proceeds of our book to two non-profits,www.Treeswing.org and www.HealthChild.org.

Currently Working On:

At this moment, I’m working on PR for our book.

Having Trouble With:

The hardest thing is to find local suppliers who are price competitive. We are committed to buying everything locally and on a personal level, we’re not opposed to spending more, but as a business, especially in our current situation, we simply cannot afford it. We had hoped to have our book printed here but couldn’t find a printer who was close to competitive with the Canadian printer we chose (FSC certified and printing on recycled paper etc.)

Surprising Successes:

We’ve been able to find so many partners who are like minded and want to support us and what we’re doing.

Growing My Business:

Growing our business is fully dependent on partnerships, collaboration and interest from others. We know we have an incredible book that can really make a difference, but due to circumstances way beyond our control, we’ve had to take over the production from a publisher. This means most of our money has gone into printing the book, leaving little for marketing. So we are dependent on word of mouth and collaborative agreements to succeed.

Giving Back:

I mentioned earlier that a portion of the proceeds of our book is going to Treeswing, a Seattle non-profit that is doing tremendous work in the schools to support children. One of their new initiatives is to see that every child in a particular grade, receives a jump rope. Their focus is on getting kids active, up off the couch and into the world of nature. We also mention many local businesses in our book and will continue to support them on our website and blog. If we can somehow advertise what they sell around a holiday, we want to do it. And of course, we want to buy local whenever possible.

Country Meadow Ltd. | www.countrymeadowltd.com

Description:

Mandarin Bamboo

Country Meadow Ltd. manufactures and distributes our own line of skin care and spa products. Most of our products are based on natural ingredients such as shea butter, avocado butter, coconut oil, rice bran oil, plant extracts and various emollients and conditioners.

We offer luxury products using simple ingredients for a tranquil experience in your own home or spa setting.

Pearls of Sand

Country Meadow Ltd. products are environmentally and socially responsible. We use recycled content packaging whenever possible. All of our products are animal friendly! No animal or animal by-products are used nor is the final product tested on animals

Green Steps Taken:

Chai Tea and Fig

New Processes:

We had our product packaging redesigned so we are using less material.

currently working on?

Reducing our carbon footprint.

EcoKind Design | www.ecokinddesign.com

Description:

Before

After

Our homes are sanctuaries where we rejuvenate, entertain, share intimacy, raise our families, etc. Spaces that support, inspire and welcome us to do so are key elements in supporting us to live our best lives. It’s my honor to contribute to these experiences through my interior services.

Whether your style is mild, wild or in-between, eco-friendly interior styling can happen for you too!

Green Steps Taken:

I recycle everything possible, buy in bulk, buy less in non-recyclable packaging, condense errands to conserve fuel resources, print on recycled paper, use a laptop, buy recycled/sustainable when I can, use eco-friendly products. There is more, I’m sure.

Condensing errands is a big thing – getting oneself out of immediate gratification mode and waiting to do an errand, if possible, until I am going to be in that area of town. I also find myself when I am on errands checking within to see if there is something else I need to do while I am in that area.

Currently Working On:

Currently, I’m researching what is the best method of alternatively powered transportation for my business and eventually, I’ll be purchasing green power and carbon offsets.

Having Trouble With:

Surprising Successes:

Growing My Business:

Leaving a lengthy trail of satisfied clients who know a bit more about environmental products after having their spaces decorat! ed and are better networked with green businesses for services.

Giving Back:

I have plans to donate my services in the future and am currently researching how that is going to take form.

Tote2Go! | www.Tote2Go.com

Description:

Tote2Go! Double Shopper Set

Handmade reusable grocery shopping tote bags made from 100% recycled, repurposed and remnant fabrics sourced from local charitable organizations in Seattle, WA.

Green Steps Taken:

Using fabric that would otherwise be headed for the landfill, recycling and donating scrap fabrics to other crafters, being mindful about energy usage

(unplugging machines at the end of the day, energy efficient lights, rechargable batteries, etc), reducing use of disposable items, reducing overall fuel consumption by keeping driving trips to a minimum, purchasing pre-owned items whenever possible.

New Processes:

Tote2Go! Double Shoppers folded into their pockets

Making the decision to use recycled fabrics exclusively (as opposed to organic or newly manufactured fabrics) was a big commitment, but worth it.

Currently Working On:

All of the above!

Having Trouble With:

I’m looking for a way to effectively recycle my fabric scraps. I’ve heard there are companies that shred recycled fabrics to make insulation, but I have yet to find them! Any other fabric/fiber recycling ideas are welcome as well!

Growing My Business:

If I were to grow my business, I would want to acquire some working capital to be able to employ stay-at-home moms to help them work at home as well as funds to implement a marketing / distribution plan. I am also working on a more efficient way to source recycled / repurposed material.

Giving Back:

I organize a group of Seattle metropolitan based craft makers (etsyRAIN.com) which supports emerging artists. We produce our own craft shows, support local community organizations and encourage local buying practices. I personally donate products to fund-raising events whenever possible, purchase locally with a focus on sustainable products and investigate companies to help me make an informed decision about where my money is spent.

Surprising Successes:

Starting a business that is a part of the “green movement” has been a wonderful experience. I am encouraged by the positive response I have gotten from the public and feel empowered with the information I have learned so far about the every day impact of the choices we make as human beings. I am hopeful that we will all figure it out sooner than later…

Beneficial Design | www.beneficialdesign.com

Description:

beneficial design provides simple and effective web design for women entrepreneurs in Seattle, the Puget Sound and beyond. Inspired by your remarkable stories, we organize and refine your initial ideas to form a presence and identity that best reflects you. Your site will be easy, welcoming and uniquely crafted to showcase your profession.

Considering the earth every step of the way, beneficial design mentors the creative process for low environmental impact marketing materials. From migrating rarely-used printed letterhead into digital versions, or creating small one-page brochures using high post-consumer recycled paper and soy inks instead of more wasteful and expensive multi-page versions, we help you save money and the environment.

We use paperless invoicing and proofing, reduced our personal consumption and purchase green energy for our office. Would you like to know how to do the same for your business? We can also take a look at the way you run your business and see what improvements you can make in your day-to-day operations and how you can make your transactions more green. Beneficial for you, beneficial for all of us.

Intrigued? Contact beneficial design to share your project ideas. We see our free consulation as a way to get to know each other and see if we are a good fit for your projects.

Green Steps Taken:

All lightbulbs have been changed to CFLs, all business machines are unplugged when not in use, paperless invoicing and proofing, solar-powered web hosting for some websites, reusable shopping bags, very limited driving (telecommute), natural lighting throughout the day, email marketing (no printed mailings), library books, use 100% post consumer recycled paper (when we need to print), FSC certified paper for our business cards, and purchase green energy.

New Processes:

We had to reinvent how we we billed clients and sent contracts while still making our paperwork look professional. With Quickbooks we were able to implement a digital letterhead on all of our invoices and we use Adobe Acrobat to digitally sign our contracts.

Currently Working On:

We are in the process of transferring all of our websites to solar-powered hosting and it’s going to take longer than we thought.

Having Trouble With:

The process of moving all of our websites is tedious and we are having to do a lot of archiving in order to make the switch. It’s not as quick as we had hoped. Also, it’s been hard to cut down on computer time and electricity usage and installing solar panels are not in our budget right now.

Growing My Business:

Right now Beneficial Design is at a healthy size and we have no plans on expanding. Working small and personalized give our clients the attention they need. We are looking at seeing how we can network with other women in business and how we can collaborate.

Giving Back:

First and foremost, we guide our clients to make the most eco-conscious decisions with their own projects. Changing the way a project is typically put together into one that is more sustainably made is how we can participate in making a difference bigger than ourselves. We volunteer for the local chapter of Dress for Success in helping them with their website and postcard design. We employ local candidates who telecommute from home. We also donate to Women for Women International.

Surprising Successes:

I am surprised on the amount of time and money I have saved on paperless billing (no stamps, no runs to the post office, no time spent printing and wasted paper) and checking out books from the library. It’s freed up my budget to focus more on green investments.