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)

Description

I am a web designer/developer with a little over 13 years of experience – and was a designer long before that. I have always been a supporter of non-profits and have been spending my time doing volunteer work for community groups who seek to help better the world for their interest groups. Green is my major passion, but so far I have found little inroads in to the actual marketplace and hope to be able to do so one day. I would love to have my job be associated with my passion for the environment.

Green Steps Taken

Recycling working on rebuilding my garden to be more water sufficient and eco friendly using more native flora (with the help of my friend Shale who is a sustainable landscaping designer) volunteering for coastal and watershed projects reducing carbon footprints through travel management and careful commuter options

Giving Back

Volunteering Friends of Fairmont Animal Shelter Peralta Sustainable Summit (with 300 people in attendance we had less than one garbage can of waste – the rest was recycled woohoo!) ecomerritt.org forum on older workers ActionWick – design for reform I don’t use disposable products for gatherings and such – and always volunteer to help group gatherings make wise choices like plant based cutlery and food waste recycling services for their meetings

Description

I just graduated with a Master of Sustainable Development from Macquarie University in Sydney.

Green Steps Taken

Bought a Prius, changed my lightbulbs, eat organic and as local as possible, try to walk when I can. Have analyzed my water and energy use.

Giving Back

I just applied for a National Geographic grant to start environmental education at my local community center.

Description

I’m a program manager with an energy efficiency firm in Berkeley with a background in urban and environmental policy and planning. I’m interested in local government action on climate change, environmental justice, and green jobs.

Green Steps Taken

I became a vegetarian 6 years ago, walk to work, try to buy used and organic, and chose my education and my career based on my desire to work in a field that promotes sustainability.

Having Trouble With

I think the most difficult thing for me right now about trying to lead a sustainable life is loving to travel but hating the carbon impact of flying.

Giving Back

I’m new to the area and would love to be more involved in the community. The company I work for has sustainable purchasing policies and supports the Contra Costa County Climate Leaders organization.

Description

The world is a bit crazy right now. We’re in a recession and unemployment is on the rise…on top of that, global warming looms. My solution? Live stylishly, sustainably, and within your means. For me, that means buying barely used ‘Found Fashion’ or buying quality new items and trying to extend product lifespan. I hope you enjoy my finds, reviews and tips. Now go off and start saving the world!

Steps Taken

I shop for used items before I look for new products – I educate others about ‘Found Fashion’ – buying gently used clothing – I use old t-shirts instead of paper towels in the kitchen – I re-use kitchen water for my garden – I started a worm compost – I try to grow as much food as I can in my yard – I take public transportation – I only use biodegradable cleaning products – I’m a recycling fanatic – I grab a sweater and slippers before I even consider turning on the heat.

Giving Back

I promote community thrift stores and shopping locally through my blog. I’d like to launch a program either low-income women find work wear, or low income teens find prom dresses at thrift stores.

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.