Designarchy was certified by the Alameda County

Designarchy was certified in August, 2006 as the first green graphic design business in Berkeley by the Alameda Country Green Business Program—a program that assists and recognizes businesses that operate in an environmentally friendly manner. Visit their website is www.greenbiz.ca.gov. We were inspected by 4 different organizations: the city of Berkeley, the water provider (EBMUD), the gas/electric provider (PG&E) and the Green Business Program. Note: due to our change in location, we are no longer certified, as location is what's inspected in order to be part of this program. However, we are planning on implementing the same environmentally-savvy modifications in our new location in Iowa, even though there may not be such certifications.

Below are some of the things we did in the old location:

Solid Waste Reduction & Recycling:
• Reduce paper use in at least 5 ways (we do double-sided printing; send clients PDFs mostly instead of paper mockups; reduce font size before printing Word files; use backsides of used paper for notes; invoices sent via email.)
• Reduce other types of waste in 5 ways (we buy bulk-dispensed soap; refillable writing instruments; centralized purchases online; refillable toner cartridges; reusable dishes, utensils, towels.)
• Recycle or reuse materials in 5 ways (we recycle or reuse paper; aluminum; plastic; glass; compost onsite)
• Purchase/Use 3 recycled-content or used products (we purchase recycled content toilet paper, garbage bags, office supplies.)

Energy conservation:
• Our annual total energy use is rated at $1,191 below the average of $1,362
• Implement at least 7 measures to conserve energy (We use equipment and appliances with the Energy Star® logo; have insulated natural gas heater; replaced incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents especially in high traffic areas; workspace takes advantage of natural light; turn off lights and equipment when leaving or at night; use standby mode on equipment; have double-pane windows.)

Water conservation:
• Implement at least 3 measures to conserve water (we have low flow aerators in kitchen faucet and bathrooms, use 1.6 gallon toilets, do not let water run unnecessarily, use drip irrigation.)

Pollution prevention:
• Prevent pollution in at least 10 ways (we use "Method" brand cleaners, white vinegar and baking soda for cleaning; use organic methods of weeding; use unbleached and/or chlorine free paper products when possible; buy refillable toner; use biological controls in the garden; have promotional materials printed with recycled paper or soy whenever possible; do business with other "green" vendors and services; purchase "green tags" from 3phases to offset 100% of our gas and electric usage; use non-aerosol and natural cleaners and freshners, buy rechargeable batteries.)

We also offer rewards programs:
• 10% off on design services if client specifies recycled paper in printing.
• E-newsleter (SPAM-FREE, I mind you!) with easy tips for green living and steps we take as a green business.

Designarchy is certified by Co-op America

In May 2006, Designarchy passed the screening process and became a member of Co-op America, a non-profit business network of socially and environmentally responsible businesses. Their website and resources promote the connection between green businesses and consumers to forge a more sustainable world. Check out their website at www.coopamerica.org. We were screened for our environmental efforts and also for our social responsibility. Designarchy currently donates service hours to three organizations that promote the betterment of people, communities, animal welfare and the environment: Compassionate Cooks, Dharma Publishing and SFROMP. You can read about them here.

Designarchy was certified in 2006 and 2007 by Green-e

Designarchy was certified by Green-e, the nation's leading voluntary renewable certification program, for our use of green tags to offset 100% of our gas and electric consumption. This is a third-party program that helps consumers choose green energy alternatives by promotion, education and outreach and verifies that businesses fulfill their claims of green energy consumption. Designarchy had increased the purchase of green tags to 13.2 MWh from 3phases to cover both gas and electric, which prevents the emissions of 18,216 lbs. of carbon dioxide or 1.7 cars from the road each year. Check out Green-e at www.green-e.org. Note: We no longer are certified with Green-e due to our change in location, but we're hoping to resume our certification process in 2009.