All of our technology and office equipment, from laptops and phones to desks, chairs and storage, where possible, are purchased as refurbs rather than new. When that's not possible, we research and find the providers that match most closely with our own values and are taking steps in their own environmental accountability, then purchase from the nearest stockist we can to minimise transit.
Whilst we're fully remote, we support the creation of Australian jobs and have little desire to save cost by using overseas employees, especially when we have no foolproof process for ensuring their wellbeing. This also allows us to offer an all-Aussie and completely transparent (for our part anyway) supply-chain for our clients.
As part of our extended service to our clients, we're developing partnerships with vetted and trusted suppliers in Australia who share our values, which enables us to maintain an even closer eye on our supply-chain.
Clean Creatives is throwing a spotlight on creative agencies who create PR and advertising to promote the fossil fuel industry. Being a member is a declaration that we will never work with fossil fuel companies, or engage the services of another firm that does. In their words:
In 2022 we will commence our application for B Corp Certification, which currently has an 8 month waiting period. Our earliest possible certification time would be late 2022 or early 2023 (assuming we qualify), so this section will be updated regularly with our progress.
2023 update: Currently reconsidering our BCorp application - due to some controversial loopholes that have allowed companies engaging in human rights trafficking to obtain BCorp status, we're going to scrutinise the application process a little further while exploring alternative certifications.
Rather than discarding items, we look for companies that can make use of our waste, for example:
The climate space is growing fast, and there is likely someone who needs what you no longer need. We're always looking adding Aussie businesses to our Next Life contact list.
Our website, digital tools, and web tools in development, are all hosted with our trusted partners Serversaurus who provide all-Aussie, environmentally responsible, certified green web hosting solutions.
We work from home in a large apartment complex and are keen to install solar - it's been an ongoing discussion for a couple of years so we're hoping to make some progress on that across 2022-2023. In the meantime, we purchase our power from Red Energy who are powered by the renewable Snowy Hydro scheme.
2023 update: This effort will spill into 2024, due to the nature of solar-fying a large apartment complex, and the approvals, processes and complexities that go with that.
Our business banking is with Bank Australia - an ethical Australian bank who never invests in fossil fuel or polluting projects. In 2021, they had $1.08B in impact finance assets, including loans to businesses and organisations, that benefitted people and the planet.
All of our superannuation money now sits with Future Super, who state on their website: "Our investment strategy avoids harmful investments and uses the power of your money to invest in climate solutions and act on the issues of today."
For self-employed creatives, normal business traps are easy to fall into and overcomplicate things - but they’re totally avoidable when flying solo.
Learn how to keep things simple, enjoyable, and climate-smart in around 2 minutes a day by joining The Climate Soloist.