As we celebrate Earth Day’s 50th anniversary it is fascinating to see the impact that shelter in place orders are having on our environment. With significantly fewer cars on the road the decrease in greenhouse gases has been measurable. National Geographic shared data from analysts at transportation research firm INRIX, stating that vehicle traffic over the last few weeks in the US was down 38 percent.

To truly make a long-term impact we need to fundamentally change the way we live and work. I will admit that I was part of the problem for a long time. Before joining CraftWork, I commuted 60 miles per day back and forth to Petaluma. It was my routine, I went to an office and that office was in Petaluma, 30 miles each way from my home here in Healdsburg. I am ashamed to admit that this commute put 5,332,200 grams of CO2 into our planet. It is a staggering number, and that is one person in one car.

The CraftWork team is passionate about minimizing our carbon footprint. Besides giving our members an office close by to get work done, we have also taken the following steps:

During construction, we were able to divert well over 80% of the metal, conduit, wood, and wire we removed from the site. In total we took nearly one ton of metal, and ten tons of concrete alone to be recycled

A ‘cool roof’ design that replaced the outdated roof with super insulation and white reflective membrane. This gives us the double advantage of staying cool in the summer, warm in the winter without much additional energy, but also allowed us to ‘expose and reuse’ the beautiful wood framing from the original 1960’s building.

Smart and efficient lighting throughout our space with a computer driven ‘brain’ that will actually sense daylight levels and adjust lighting automatically
A water bottle refill station that has already saved 1,200 plastic bottles in 90 days!

Commute reduction for our members previously driving long distances to traditional offices

A recycling program supporting a local non-profit (see additional details below)

On top of doing our best to reduce our carbon footprint, one of the other major tenets of CraftWork is to support our local community. We are excited to announce a partnership with Oaks of Hebron who is providing their Recycling Together Program for our space. This program will ensure that as much waste as possible continues to be diverted from landfills and provides work placement for adults with disabilities to earn some additional funding.

Oaks of Hebron provides support for developmentally disabled adults throughout Sonoma County. Through their Recycling Together Program they are providing work placement for people who want to learn valuable work skills and interact with the community. According to the US department of labor less than 19% of people with a disability are employed.

CraftWork wants to support our local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and creators (check out CraftWork Marketplace). However, we also want to support those in our community who need a hand. By working together, we can reduce our carbon footprint and provide work for folks in our community looking to help themselves.

I now have the pleasure of walking to work most days, while my car gathers dust in the garage. Imagine if more people were able to work remotely, while still having a professional environment to enjoy. CraftWork is that place. A haven for those who are passionate about their craft and yearn for a collaborative environment. You can become a member of the CraftWork community and take advantage of all we have to offer. Please also learn more about what the amazing team at Oaks of Hebron does to support our community every day.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back into our space soon!

CraftWork Celebrates Earth Day