I've been thinking about sustainability within my business and what that means. 
My company consists of one person - me - working from home. I need the internet, my computer, and my design software to function, and overall I'd like to think the business is alright... but there's always more to be done.

All of my print suppliers use FSC-certified paper (Forest Stewardship Council), which means their paper is sourced from responsibly managed forests or recycled. 

I use Rocketspark - based locally, in Waikato - to build and host websites. They track their emissions and fund native tree planting each month, which helps to offset each website's digital footprint. 

In terms of website design, some steps can help, like choosing darker colours - even just switching to 'dark mode' on your phone or computer helps use less battery power. Making sure videos are hosted on external platforms, keeping SEO and AIO information clear and concise - small and subtle things that make a difference.

I can't avoid AI - it's in all the design software I use (I can't deny it's a wonderful tool), but I can avoid pointless trends like creating yourself as a toy character or, god forbid, churning out yet another AI Flyer. It's an epidemic! Generating these complex images requires a huge amount of electricity, land, and water to cool the processors.

I stick to human-crafted, clean and simple graphics that render well for whatever platform they're needed for.

I like to think that by getting your branding done with me, by getting it right from the start, we are building sustainability in your business - you won't be flip-flopping around with a rebrand every 9 months trying to find something that resonates...you will have worked with me through the process until we arrive at the brand for you. 

But by far my biggest sustainability no-no is travel. I still drive a car that needs fossil fuel. We haven't upgraded to an EV yet...And I still plan trips back to South Africa to visit friends and family...But that's not business-related, is it?