All 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, I research and find the providers that match closest with my values and are taking steps in their own environmental accountability, then purchase from the nearest stockist to minimise transit.
While I'm completely solo, I contract certain service providers and support Australian companies and the creation of Australian jobs as often as possible. I have little desire to save costs by using low-cost employees or contractors based overseas, especially when there's no foolproof process for ensuring their wellbeing.
Where possible, I aim to develop partnerships with vetted and trusted suppliers in Australia who share my values, which enables me to maintain a somewhat 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:
"The biggest part of any creative company’s carbon footprint is the work it does for it's clients. One campaign for a fossil fuel client can undo all of an agency’s sustainability gains".
I'd started the process of becoming certified in 2023, but due to some controversial loopholes that have allowed companies engaging in human rights trafficking to obtain BCorp status, I've decided to park the application until the loophopes have been addressed.
Rather than discarding items, I 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. I'm always looking adding Aussie businesses to our Next Life contact list.
This website, plus our digital and web tools in development, are all hosted with our trusted partners Serversaurus who provide all-Aussie, environmentally responsible, certified green web hosting solutions.
I work from home in a large apartment complex - getting approval to have solar installed has been an ongoing and complicated discussion for several years, but I'm hopeful it'll happen someday. In the meantime, our energy supplier is Red Energy, who are powered by the renewable Snowy Hydro scheme.
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."
Like I said, far from perfect. But if there's something obvious I should be doing and listing here, please let me know here.
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.