Step 1:
Be prepared. Discuss sustainable options from Day 1. Share varying levels of low-waste solutions and see what resonates the most with your clients. Your clients will take your lead if you build in a few low-waste ideas during design and show them the way.
Step 2:
Know your industry and what low-waste strategies cost. Keep a handy reference list. (Some are free. Some provide tax benefits). And don’t forget to speak to how low-waste, sustainable practices might address their concerns over health, their children, and future replacement costs, etc.
Q&A 1: I don’t care about lowering waste. -OR- I don’t really believe in climate change.
We are passionate about this issue, so we will be implementing some sustainability practices throughout the project. With just a few resources, you can really make an impact.
Q&A 2: We don’t have the money to make this project sustainable.
With just a few resources, you can really make an impact. We’re committed to working with you at the level of sustainability that you’re comfortable with. Small changes go a long way.
Q&A 3: We’re on a really tight budget, I’m sure it will be too expensive.
We’re committed to working within your budget with which you are comfortable. Our team is well versed in the financials of implementing sustainability efforts and we’ll share those with you every step of the way. That way you can make the most informed decision for your lifestyle.
Q&A 4 : The other firm I interviewed was a lot cheaper and could complete the job much faster.
Our firm believes its role as a design leader is to create a healthy world for all to live in; one that respects people, planet and animals for future generations. Planning for low- waste solutions up front can often be the most efficient over the course of a project, too. Keep in mind, rushing through a project can often time result in waste which is both costly financially and environmentally.
Q&A 5 : We’re on a tight timeline, we don’t have time to plan for sustainability.
If you don’t plan for sustainability now, chances are you’re going to have to replace things sooner than you’d like. . .and that costs money. For example, you run the risk of furniture not lasting, roofing wearing down, heating and electric bills being bigger, etc. With proper planning we can integrate a lot of principles very quickly.
Q&A 6: I just want to get this (couch, appliance, outdoor furniture, etc.) out of my sight. It’s been here for weeks/ months and I’m tired of looking at it.
Not a problem! Let us make a few phone calls. We promise to have this out of here very soon. We’ll ensure your donation goes to a good cause and it will often be tax deductible.
Q&A 7: I care about reducing waste, but my spouse who’s paying for this remodel doesn’t.
Ask what issues your spouse does care about? Is it the extra cost he/she perceives it to be, or the longer time it take, or the perceived hassle or complexity? Lean into those and help your client with answers to pass along. Or, offer to speak to their partner directly.
Q&A 8: I’m just too busy and I am having a baby soon, so don’t have the capacity to consider sustainability.
Ask what issues your spouse does care about? Is it the extra cost he/she perceives it to be, or the longer time it take, or the perceived hassle or complexity? Lean into those and help your client with answers to pass along. Or, offer to speak to their partner directly.
Q&A 9: I don’t have the budget to pay more for organic products.
The great news is that there are many more affordable organic brands in the market today. We can work to stay within your budget.
Q&A 10: We’re already undergoing an ambitious project scope, do we really have to make it sustainable, too?
This kind of ambitious project is exactly where we want to incorporate our sustainability practices. Our industry’s impact on the environment is under a huge amount of scrutiny these days. Everyone is trying to make a difference for the better. Imagine the additional positive press/attention you’ll get if your project is not only ambitious in scope, but also sustainable. (And we want to avoid the impression that this project was unnecessarily wasteful, too.)
Q&A 11: Don’t we have enough landfill space to throw everything into?
(Discourage throwaway culture. Frame it as out of date thinking.) Landfills produce methane gas which contributes to climate change, not to mention the toxins that leach into our soil and waterways. This is a global problem. Americans are the largest contributors to construction waste in the world by far. We are contributing to climate change and using up natural resources without restraint. Even making small but meaningful changes will have a lasting impact. We can all do our part.
Q&A 12: I didn’t realize design and construction was a big contributor to the planet problem. I thought fashion was a bigger issue.
(Educate them on the industry’s contribution to the waste problem. Make an emotional appeal.) You’re right. Fashion has gotten a bad rap for a good reason. Fast Furniture (meaning cheap) like Fast Fashion, isn’t any better. Buying better quality, built to last in clothing and our built environment is a better solution. This is really about the greater good, the future of our planet and health of its inhabitants—it’s for the young people in your life that you care about. Even making small but meaningful changes will have a lasting impact. We can all do our part.
