You Said It: Conservation Methods

We asked what conservation methods you were using in your home and business and here is what you said:

    * Bike commuting.

    * Opening windows and using ceiling fans instead of A/C.

    * Composting food waste.

    * Vegetable garden.

    * Exercising the power of purchasing locally.

    * Changed all bulbs to energy efficient bulbs.

    * Turn off electronics, unplug when not in use.

    * Program to sleep after several minutes of non-use.

    * Use energy star appliances.

    * Turn off lights not in use.

    * Insulate non-air tight windows.

    * Use LED light when possible.

    * Shoot by natural light whenever possible.

    * Shoot locally whenever possible, and use/refer to local, vendors when possible.

    * Use cross ventilation and fans instead of the air conditioner, etc.

    * All computers/equipment are unplugged (some via power strips) when not in use.

    * The studio is only heated/cooled when in use. It's well insulated too!

    * re-use packaging material and recycle everything I can.

    * Use all rechargeable NiMH batteries for my equipment.

    * I shut down my computer at night time and turn off lights when I leave a room.

    * Using fans instead of AC, heating below 67, using the US Mail pick up vice delivery

    * Fridge is full and will be doing carbon offset.

    * We chose a location that had skylights so we don't use any lights in the daytme (actually one flourescent in an office).

    * We use Greener Printer for most of our marketing pieces and biz cards- 100% recycled (50% post consumer) papers and soy inks.

    * We try to be as paperless as possible as far as admin. goes.

    * I ride my bike to the studio everyday. We use an on-demand water heater at home and at the studio- tankless.

    * Computers are turned off when not in use for more than 8 hours.

    * Lights are off, as a new window has been installed in the office to allow for more natural light.

    * I open windows to regulate temperature when the weather is pleasant, but otherwise keep the thermostat between 65-70 degrees farenheit in the winter and 70-75 in the warmer parts of the year.

    * I turn off everything I am not using.

    * Instead of using the air conditioner regularly, we utilize our ceiling fans and floor fans during the summer. We turn off our computers, monitors, and speakers whenever they are not in use.

    * I limit my paper and energy use as much as possible.

    * I keep all of my client proofing online,

    * All invoices and record keeping are kept to a digital medium to avoid printing.

    * I limit all packaging in product delivery.

    * I unplug all computer and photography equipment from outlets when not in use.

    * When I require print deliveries, I make sure multiple orders come at the same time to lessen carbon emissions.

    * I am currently looking for a solar powered battery charger. All regular lights use low energy bulbs.

    * Lights, printers, computers and other electronics are turned off when not in use. We generally do not run the A/C but use the fan or windows for fresh air as much as possible. (Except in the summer, because that's insane to do in Texas!)

    * We use a combination of turning off unused lights and installing energy-efficient bulbs for our lighting needs.

    * We only use air conditioning if the building is in use, and then only if we really need it.

    * We line-dry in appropriate weather instead of using the electric dryer.

    * We use the small toaster oven instead of the large oven whenever possible.

    * I purchased a new Toyota Prius hybrid (45 MPG!!!).

    * I turn all power strips off at the end of the day.

    * I use Dell computer designed to waste as little energy as possible.

    * Cold water for washing clothes

    * Promotion of greener photographic products through my blog.

    * Financial support of energy conservation initiatives.

    * Promotion of preserving natural areas through my photographs.

    * I drive my scooter as much as possible.

    * My windows are open and fans are on therefore allowing more air flow and less a/c.

    * I recycle everything as well as recycle my friends that live in areas that don't have recycling.

    * I work from home and have 3 other gals I shoot with and we always carpool. I have changed my delivery days to one day only and map it out, any other stops I need to make such as post office, Kinkos.. are all mapped into it. I also no longer use lights...

    * Avoiding 'phantom' energy drains such as plugged in chargers and appliances

    * I'm on the HOA Board in my community (home-based business) and apply all my conservation-minded thinking there as well.

    * I use window light to light my office/ studio rather than lamps throughout the day.

    * The hall/ bathroom lights in my building are on timers.

    * I pay for clean energy through my electric company.

    * I have recently become a NuRide supporter, their clients receive a discount on services in turn encouraging them to carpool more often.

    * No electronics, or electrical devices, are left in the on position when not in use.

    * Thermostat is set at 68 in the winter and 75 in the summer (we use the ac for one week in summer otherwise it is open windows and ceiling fans).

    * I use the library instead of purchasing books.

    * Solar outdoor lights.

    * I specific live within walking distance to both metro & train to cut down on car travel that doesn't require large amounts of gear.

    * I have implemented delivering files both finished & scouting via an internet upload cutting way down on both packaging and the use of delivery sources.

    * I have a small business partnership with carbonfund.org to offset all greenhouse gas emissions my studio is responsible for through normal operations as well as through travel for jobs.

    * I encourage all my clients (brides) to purchase carbon offsets for their wedding. I am also working on developing an online directory for green wedding vendors and I have written a number of articles for various web sites on how to incorporate low-impact ideas into weddings.

    * All studio plants are water by 'reclaimed' resources.

    * Carpooling with other photographers along on landscape shoots

    * Album and prints are made in the US and we email our files for printing.

    * We go paperless whenever we can.

Drive a fuel efficient vehicle.