Environmental Policy

Sustainability and green practices are embedded in how I exist in the world. In 2006, my friend Risa said, “You’re the most efficient person I know.” Truly, living bright green is a core value for me, personally and professionally. Here’s what that means for my business.

I have been coaching Mac users for over 20 years, empowering clients with the confidence to ask questions and the opportunity to be more efficient, productive, and/or flexible with their technology. I show up by bicycle, energized and ready to help, with kindness and respect. My clients appreciate my patient, inquisitive approach, ability to meet them where they are, and that I provide the tools so they can learn to help themselves.

What is sustainable about computing? There are three tenets of sustainability embedded in Sustainable Computing:

  1. I get around almost exclusively by bicycle. I don’t even have a driver’s license. Bicycling gets my body moving, exposing me to fresh air, and energizes me to do my best work. It’s a time to reflect before and after client sessions as well as to learn new things while listening to the Mac Geek Gab podcast.
  2. I help people make better use of their technology. This includes boosting confidence and enabling them to be more efficient, productive, and flexible. Imagine if you could expend less energy using your devices because they served you as tools to accomplish your goals and pursue your passions. What would your life be like if you spent less time staring at screens? In these ways, I empower personal sustainability.
  3. Apple devices are designed to be incredibly integrated and efficient compared to their counterparts. As Apple controls the whole widget—hardware, software, services—it’s possible to manufacture devices that use less energy and are more powerful. Apple’s software, and the tools it provides developers, enable users to spend less time figuring it out and more time just doing. Plus, nearly all Macs released for at least two decades have been Energy Star compliant and Apple maintains a high standard for its practices regarding energy and toxics across its businesses.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink
I’m always thinking about how I can use fewer resources and generate less waste, and I have lots of insights to share in these areas. Some examples:

Waste

  • I don’t own a printer
  • I’m an avid member of my local Buy Nothing group
  • I collect waste kitchen plastic not accepted by my municipal recycling service and ship it to Terracycle for processing
  • I partner with Tri-Valley Recycling, a regional electronics recycler, to pick up and process e-waste
  • I try to avoid plastic packaging and recycle it if possible
  • You’ll always find me at a potluck with my own reusable eatware if not offered by the host

Energy

  • I’m incessant about turning off lights when not in use and rely on daylight and night vision as much as possible
  • Many of my plug-in lights and appliances are on smart outlets that switch off during periods of high demand (using OhmConnect)
  • Where feasible, I recharge my portable devices with the sun

Other

  • Some of my cleaning products are homemade out of vinegar and water. Others come from my local refill shop, Fillgood.
  • In 2012, I replaced my high-flow toilet with a dual-flush model, satisfying the requirements of my first California Green Business Certification

I’m a treasure trove of green living tips and practices. Ask me anything!

Ben Rosenthal, Mac+Sustainability Coach

Policy Adopted at Birth 6 March 2022