Gavaphoto | www.gavaphoto.com

Description

Event, portrait and wedding photographer. Also, business and commercial portraits. I have an MBA in Sustainabile Management. Offer 10% discount on my services to clients who hire other green vendors.

Green Steps Taken

We use CFLS, offer discounts (example above) deliver images online (no paper “proofs”), we are working through SF Green Business checklist for certification, pay all bills electronically.

Surprising Successes

Having clients that wanted to hire me for portrait photography services specifically because I had an MBA in Sustainable Mgmt.

Having Trouble With

Regular marketing techniques, networking, growing my business at the rate I would like.

Giving Back

I offer free photography services to local non profits – have a standing relationship with a non profit that distributes fresh produce to low income individuals in my neighborhood (Grupo de la Comida)

Avvya

Description

Manufacturer of Natural Soaps and Bath Products

Steps Taken

Our products are made from sustainable ingredients and are earth friendly. Our products are natural and do not contain SLS or paraben. All our products are packaged in recycled or recyclable products.

Currently Working On

Redefining our processes is an ongoing goal of ours! We always strive to environmentally friendly and leaving as little footprint as possible.

Killpack Group | KillpackGroup.com

Description

Killpack Group offers Change Management and Sustainable Strategy Consulting. I help clients navigate the landscape of green options, as well as supporting other types of change initiatives.

Green Steps Taken

My business offsets carbon for transportation, minimally uses recycled paper, leverages PC efficiency software and power management, uses fluorescent lighting & water-saver features, actively practices waste reduction (all types) and works with clients to model these types of behavior.

Currently Working On

I am currently focusing my efforts on a diagnostic tool that assess current state and recommendations for most features of business: facilities, operations, sales/marketing, leadership/strategy, HR/ employee culture, transportation & costs.

I am also co-teaching at Presidio School of Mgmt’s Sustainable MBA program. I teach critical people skills to upcoming leaders in sustainablity.

Surprising Successes

My biggest surprise has been realizing that most things I learned about being sustainable have come from the wisdom of my grandparents. Growing up during The Depression taught them amazing conservation & waste reduction values, which many people are just starting to understand today. It has been refreshing to know that I have been this way all along, because of their role modeling. Someday, we will be the role models for upcoming generations too!

Having Trouble With

Public transportation is a constant challenge for me. As a consultant and professor, I have a ‘mobile office’ that I have to bring on outings. It is very cumbersome and not always practical to use public transit with such luggage in tow.

Growing Your Business

Sales & Marketing are the critical elements in growing any business. I think these will be areas of lifelong learning for me.

Giving Back

I support the local community by shopping at the farmers market (in season), through donations, buying local & sustainable products, sharing the fruit from my backyard & using public transit when appropriate.