HOLY COW! We're in GD:USA!

OK, so we are still totally stoked to be a part of Graphic Design USA magazine's November feature "A Culture of Green," which highlights 12 eco-conscious design studios around the country. And holy cow, Kalico is among them!

When we were first approached by GD:USA for this story, I'll be honest, I was a bit apprehensive. How would I "stack up" against some of the larger, more well-known sustainable design firms? I mean, I definitely try to conduct my business with an eco-conscious mind, but my business is small, so everything I do is on a small scale, right? And then I got over myself and realized it's not a competition about who is "greener". The important thing is that we all do what we can to be eco- and socially-conscious, both on a business and personal level. As noted in the "Culture of Green" article, I approach sustainability as a process, for myself and my clients, and I'm constantly striving to learn and improve along the way.

Here's a list of easy suggestions and steps Kalico takes to help cultivate our green thumb:

1. Send project estimates, comps and revisions digitally to reduce the amount of paper consumption
2. Use scrap paper and/or print double-sided when we need to print
3. Purchase recycled office supplies, such as file folders, envelopes, and paper (Staples has a great, fairly cost-effective line)
4. Use natural light whenever possible (we currently work in a room with a lot of natural sunlight, rarely having to turn on the lights during normal business hours)
5. Conduct a majority of meetings via phone or email to cut down on transportation for us and our clients
6. Use FSC-certified printers, soy-based inks, and recycled paper for client jobs whenever possible
7. Have an in-office recycling bin for all paper products
8. Only use digital photography and request digital proofs when possible 
9. Eliminate plastic water bottles, using refillable canteens or glasses instead
10. Be conscious of the end effect of projects...is there a better approach?
11. Furnish with recycled or pre-used office furniture where applicable (which often translates to "on the cheap" as well!)
12. Use a green web host 

Do you have some additional suggestions or practices you do in your business? I'd love to hear some additional suggestions! 

PS-Let me know what you think of the GD:USA article! I can't wait to see the printed version—if anyone has an extra copy or two, please let me know!! 

PPS- I LOVE that Graphic Design USA choose to use the picture of me with my dog Kai! (He's smiling in this photo too!) Special thanks to Mary Kate McKenna Photography for this headshot photo and to Aaron Haslinger Photography for the work photo!