internet technology

GP: How green is your business - what green business practices do you embrace?

10K: We believe in doing the right thing.

10K Webdesign was one of the first web design companies to receive green certification in Alameda County (California). We're now actively involved in creating new green business practices through a Green Chamber of Commerce in our state.

We've posted our "report card" on our website and our main efforts include:

1) supporting other green businesses and progressive organizations

2) reducing our energy consumption (using CFL bulbs and converting to solar solutions)

3) reducing water use and solid waste

4) finding alternatives like recycled materials and corn-based and sugarcane-based utensils

5) transmitting documents electronically and hosting online meetings through Skype, phone, e-mail, and e-fax.

We write regular articles and give presentations on social and sustainable business practices through

http://www.TheGreenGirls.com - inspiring an eco-friendly lifestyle
http://www.ASuccessfulWoman.com - supporting success-oriented women
http://www.WomenonBusiness.com - solutions for business women around the world

We also offer a free membership directory at http://www.GreenBusinessWomen.com.

GP: Why did you decide to support Greener Photography?

10K: When I learned more about Greener Photography, I knew this was a great way to use our core skill set -- web development -- to make a big difference for the organization.

We're strong proponents of working smarter: we think that improving  website "flow" and using tools like the open-source solution Drupal allow  organizations to be more effective. When our clients convert to a content management system, they can make standard business processes run smoother and they can move common tasks online.

GP: How has supporting Greener Photography or other environmental groups benefited your business?

10K: We've gained exposure and a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities that face green business owners and leaders of progressive organizations. Most of our clients are some combination of: green, sustainable, woman-owned, multicultural, progressive, and we've built our business on referrals, so we feel very grateful for the opportunity to use our skills to support the people, causes, and organizations which we believe in.

GP: How has offering green products and implementing green business practices affected your company?

10K: We've realized that pursuing a triple bottom line is what motivates us. By supporting people, the planet, and profit, we take care of each other, do our best, and use our company as a driving force in the world.

GP: What are your hopes for a greener photographic industry?

10K: Encourage your clients to consider options. When there are two solutions with the same end result, but one way is environmentally sustainable and the other is toxic and destructive, it's my belief that people will do the right thing.

As a whole, those of us in the creative arts have an opportunity to model positive and proactive behavior by making choices, one by one, to go greener.

GP: What is your favorite eco website or eco-product that we may not have heard of?

10K: You may want to check out Sulusso.com, run by Meghan Connolly Haupt, who has put together a collection of luxury sustainable and eco-friendly jewelry. She and I did volunteer work in Los Angeles years ago, and to me, she's an example of a smart and savvy businesswomen who knows that going green is not just a catchy phrase but a way for people to live their life.

Thanks so much to Monica Flores of 10K Web Design for taking the time to answer our questions!