Eco & Ivory has taken or plans to take the following steps to reduce its footprint:

Transportation

Clients are encouraged to participate in consultations and meetings online (e.g. via Zoom), as opposed to in-person. 

Face-to-face meetings are held in select locations (coffee shops, hotels, restaurants) that have a high sustainability rating, as per Sustainable Pittsburgh Restaurants. 

Travel is reduced by scheduling meetings and errands on the same days and around the same areas when possible.

Carbon Offsetting Travel

I will educate clients and vendors on carbon offsetting.

Going Paperless

Digital software is used for designing events and presenting designs to clients as often as possible.

Online signature software (HelloSign) is used to send and obtain signatures on contracts and other important documents.

Digital brochures are sent to vendors and prospective clients as often as possible.  Proposals, my business plan, and my portfolio are also sent digitally as often as possible.

Digital brochures are requested from vendors.

Meeting/consultation notes are documented digitally, rather than via paper, as often as possible. When necessary, notes are written on old scrap paper.

Digital files of client records are kept, and I strive to maintain mostly digital records for business documents.

Online tools and platforms are used for business tasks, such as project management and bookkeeping.

Recycled Paper

Eco & Ivory’s business cards are made of plantable biodegradable eco-paper made with post-consumer and post-industrial paper waste that is embedded with seeds.

For cases in which clients request a physical display of their event’s design, post-consumer waste (PCW) presentation boards and paper or an eco-friendlier alternative will be used as often as possible.

Any paper materials purchased for business use will be made of PCW recycled paper.

Recycling and Composting

I avoid purchasing new non-recyclable plastic, including for office use and event décor.

I utilize the recycling pick-up services in my area.

Payments

Eco & Ivory accepts digital payments via Stripe and participates in the Stripe Climate program, in which 1% of clients’ purchases through Stripe go toward removing carbon from the atmosphere.

Light Bulbs

I am transitioning to LED and/or compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs in my home office, as well as for personal use.

Reusing

I utilize reusable shopping bags, water bottles, plates, and cups in my home office and personal life.

I re-use paper scraps and strive to re-use other office supplies when possible. 

I help clients explore alternatives to disposable event items (i.e. tableware, favors, décor pieces, etc.). Alternatives may include using reusable items, renting items, or finding eco-friendly options.

Décor items are rented and reused when possible.

I will rent out, resell, or donate décor items that I accumulate so that they do not go to waste.

Business attire consists of pre-worn clothing, rented clothing, and/or clothing made from eco-friendly materials as often as possible. 

My home office consists of re-used/vintage furniture.

I strive to use pens and other office supplies that are pre-used or made from recycled materials.

Green Cleaning Products

I use many biodegradable cleaning solutions and biodegradable or organic soap in my home office and personal life.

I am transitioning to using biodegradable trash bags for business and personal use.

Conserving Energy

Energy Star appliances will be purchased whenever new office appliances are needed.

Educating Others and Building Community

I utilize many organic, green beauty products.  I wear these products when meeting with clients and educate them on eco-friendly beauty options for their event.

I regularly research and establish relationships with other eco-friendly vendors in the area.

While researching and working with vendors who have not “gone green,” I educate them on simple ways to green their business procedures.

I educate clients on going green and connect them to eco-friendly vendors.

I will seek out and participate in networking events and promotional events that feature eco-friendly vendors and businesses.