Less. better.

we focus on the most important bits to make the greatest impact to profit, planet, people (including stake- and share- holders), and critters.

This is the norm-making of sustainability as a strategy.

and it establishes an expectation of traditional ROI. We insist on it.

It creates abundance for all.

It can be a little delicate.

culture

What we do.

  • We’re a seat at the strategy table to ensure that the modern bottom lines are not just a noble distraction. We build sustainability action plans and drive their implementation and execution.

  • As much as you can handle or as little as you need. We can get you started or get you there on a part-time contract basis. Retainers provided in 5 hour weekly blocks. More details here.

  • Need a marketing officer, but only a little? We can provide on-going support to your small business as you grow. Retainers provided in 10 hour monthly blocks.

  • From B Corporation certs and re-certs, to required environmental certifications, we help untangle the tangled.

  • Think of it as a heat map for your organization. Where are the hot spots for engagement and change? Who are the champions? Where do we need to start the conversation?

  • Our unique and robust audit protocol to make sure the sustainability strategy is uniquely you. We measure the difference between what you say and what you do revealing authenticity gaps that create friction in your business.

    The audits are iterative, increase in complexity and detail as needed.

    Level 1: Scan for hot spots via internal interviews and public documents

    Level 2: Screen for related internal influences (policies and procedures)

    Level 3: Full review including external influence and influencers (stakeholders)

  • Global or local, we can help craft your employee engagement program to make sure sustainability is authentic and participatory.

  • From facilitating workshops to developing procurement score cards and codes of conduct, we build partnerships that advance sustainability.

  • Data is a cultural artifact. We help organizations and communities measure, disclose and mitigate their environmental impacts.

  • Iron Eyes Cody in the Keep America Beautiful campaign shaped a generation. But so did Coke is Happiness. Campaigns matter.

  • Incentive systems matter. So do policies and procedures. But they all need to be culturally relevant. We help craft them.

  • People who recycle newspapers are more likely to also recycle plastics. We help measure behavior patters, and leverage them for broader impact.

  • We focus on use- and end of life-phase research to bring data to the table along with actionable insights for behavior change.

communication

  • Communication strategies that put authenticity at the front.

  • Campaigns, websites, visual storytelling, animations, data-driven graphics, whatever.

  • Compulsory (supply chain or investor pressure), regulatory, voluntary (GRI, SASB, CDP) or hybrid, we can help you gather, understand and tell the story of your data.

  • From B Corporation certs and re-certs, to required environmental certifications, we help untangle the tangled.

  • Mostly qualitative deep research into beliefs, patterns, and norms that help you understand stakeholder culture. Surveys have a place. But that place is not everywhere.

  • Need help with a proposal response, building a process, or grants? We’re happy to help you win more, better work.

corporate (Start-ups, mid-market, Fortune 500)

  • Video storytelling (with Knack Factory) and management systems for monitoring environmental impact.

  • First of its kind industry collaboration to understand and influence consumer use-phase and end-of-life phase for electronic devices. Completed research and managed pilot take-back program for hibernating devises.

  • Sustainability data management for Subaru Dealership network.

  • Sustainability story and video production (with Knack factory), website development, consumer engagement (student art and NGO school donation) campaign and animation.

  • Workshops for C-suite and employees to define authentic sustainability at self-described “irreverent shoe brand.” Project resulted in a 5 year sustainability strategy document. Strategy theme: Get caught doing good things, don’t brag. This was our pitch video to Vans.

  • Tasked with building a “self-replicating” employee engagement program. Collaborated with an alliance of values-driven businesses (Timberland, Eileen Fisher, Annies, Seventh Generation), coming together for a shared purpose to activate "In Good Company.”

  • B-corp Certification consulting.

  • GRI and SaSB aligned sustainability reporting.

  • Media agency for a media agency introducing the world’s hardest working market segment. Rapid deployment of a platform for virtual networking and tradeshows (during covid), branding and web development.

  • Full communication strategy and execution for carbon offsets.

  • Super fun local rebrand lead by Brek Heikkinen and Jared McKenna.

  • \NBC Universal commissioned us in whiskey to produce a web series for them about working at a green ad agency (with Good Focus). Be nice, it was 2012.

    Episode 1: Greening Your Commute

    Episode 2: Greening Your Holiday Gifts

    Episode 3: Greening Your Electronics

    Episode 4: Greening Your Food

    Episode 5: Greening Your Family

    Episode 6: Greening Your Cleaning

    Episode 7: Greening Your Investments

some clients

NGOs, Trade Assoc, Communities, and Gvt

  • Communications partner for the Department of Agriculture’s Get Real. Get Maine nutrition campaign.

    Print ad development for Maine’s efforts to increase consumer recycling rates.

  • A lead from IDEO, we designed a the brand and content for a train the trainer program for educations in developing counties.

  • Complete cultural emersion study and corresponding brand development for a Native Hawaiian community impact organization whose principal mission is to benefit the Native Hawaiian community.

  • Website development for NGO supporting the greening of the music industry.

  • Full communications plan development and execution including getting the Good Morning America crew on and off the summit during a storm. In partnership with Isa Morton of Seva PR.

  • Education and regional relevance campaign for stormwater runoff awareness.

  • Wellness poster campaign highlighting National Parks as fitness opportunities.

  • 25 years of service to this trade association promoting geographically relevant and sustainable wood species. Full research, communications and industry support.

  • Documentary filming, content creation, website development and management to support fair trade policy for the lumber industry.

  • Strategic planning workshop facilitation, and plan development.

  • Web development and communications planing for NGO focused on climate solutions for communities, cities, and factories.

  • Communication partner for evidence-based social justice and public health organization. The HER Initiative provided a deeper understanding of community and clinical perceptions of FGM/C in Maine and helped improve birthing experiences among women who had experienced FGM/C.

  • App development for climate change impacts for food retailers.