Green? Sustainable? How not to pee in the public pool.
Whatever the buzzword, Roughstock looks at social and environmental responsibility a little more simply: look for ways to make things better, not worse. That shouldn't be too much to ask from a business, should it?
Professional conduct
It's okay to expect a little professionalism. My general rule of thumb(s):
- I don't make promises I can't keep. If I think there's a better way to accomplish what you're trying to accomplish, I'll let you know.
- Roughstock honors all of our contractual obligations (and asks for same).
- I answer every question I'm asked to the best of my ability. If I don't know I'll tell you so (and then find someone who does).
Community building
I like to focus the studio's efforts on building relationships with people and groups who believe in common sense, humanity and responsibility.
- I donate a portion of studio revenue to organizations working for social change.
- I contribute pro bono services to qualified nonprofits.
- Roughstock will never, ever make horrible ads for liposuction clinics. Ever.
Environmental footprint shrinking
So here's the deal: Roughstock is a certified San Francisco Green Business, which means we've been physically audited by three different city agencies to ensure we're taking active operational steps to reduce our environmental impact. It makes for a pretty good list, which you can download as a PDF if you'd like. It includes items like recycling and composting for waste reduction, reducing energy usage, purchasing policies, and much, much more.
- When designing, we consider the full life cycle of a project, developing innovative approaches, and specifying fewer materials, vegetable-based inks, recycled and non-toxic materials, and green printers whenever possible.
- I've developed a very scalable purchasing policy that gives preference to local vendors who meet a stringent set of sustainability and fair trade criteria. You're welcome to download that list, too. Maybe even try it out in your own office.
- I try not to preach, but I will always offer to walk you through the land mine that is green marketing, teaching you how to do it honestly, and how to avoid the wrath of the anti-greenwashing crowd.
Also, I've got a certificate in sustainable business management. Seriously, it's hanging on my wall. It just means I've got a pretty good understanding of the operational issues that go into all this environmental and sustainable stuff.
