Phinney Estate Law encourages clients to use the estate planning process as an opportunity to build a legacy for themselves and their families by taking the time to define their values and make sure their lives are being lived in a way consistent with those values.  In that spirit, Phinney Estate Law has structured every part of its practice to maximize environmental sustainability.

While the law may not seem like the sort of industry that would have a substantial environment impact, the reality that the modern law practice, through travel, energy use, and paper usage is one of the more environmentally impactful service industries.  In our practice we have adopted procedures and policies to reduce as fully as possible our impact.  Some of the elements of this policy are discussed below.  We are also in discussions with Oregon Lawyers for a Sustainable Future to try to form a similar group for attorneys in our state to share best practices and learn from and support each other.  If you are an attorney interested in being a part of such a group, please contact us at phinneyestatelaw@mac.com.

Purchasing

Sustainability is considered in the purchase of all supplies, equipment, and services. Sustainability criteria that are specifically considered include energy conservation, waste minimization, recycled content,  recyclability, biodegradability, hazardous-chemical free, resource conservation, local manufacture, and organic. 

We have made a commitment to use only paper that contains at least some portion of post-consumer waste.  Our printer paper, copier paper, and envelops are 100% post consumer recycled content.  For other categories of paper products, we use the highest level of recycled content available.  All electronics purchased are energy star rated and/or the most efficient available on the market.  All cleaning products used are non-toxic.  All client gifts are made with an eye to waste reduction and include reusable travel mugs and water bottles.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

Subject to security and other requirements, it our policy to minimize the use of paper in data storage, printing and copying, internal and external communications, and mailing.  Double sided copies and printing are used whenever possible and any single side prints that do not contain confidential client materials are reused for draft printing.  Email is used whenever possible and client file materials are backed up in digital format rather than paper format. 

Systems have been established to minimize disposables and packaging, reuse equipment and supplies where feasible, and maximize recycling of all items that can be recycled in this region.  Reusable materials are used whenever possible.  This includes the use of refillable print cartridges and “Re-Binders” whose rings can be reused with new covers when needed.  Phinney Estate law also maintains a library of materials for clients to check out and share.

All paper and other materials that are recyclable through the City of Seattle’s recycling program are recycled.  Rechargeable batteries and CFL light bulbs are returned to the point of purchase for recycling.   Materials that are not recyclable but are biodegradable, such as stained paper and paper that is double shredded to destroy client account numbers are composted through our worm bin.

Energy

Phinney Estate Law’s policies encourage energy conservation and efficiency

in heating/cooling, lighting, and equipment. Computers are set to energy efficiency settings and are turned off when not in use.  Heating is set on a timer to minimize waste and a combination of fans and a heat pump are used to minimize energy use in heating and cooling.  All lighting is provided through CFL lighting.  Phinney Estate Law has invested in insulation and energy efficient windows in our office space to future reduce energy use and is in the process of making these changes throughout the house.  Phinney Estate law participates in the Seattle City Light Green Up program so that 100% of electricity used for the business and the rest of the home is sourced from renewable resources such as wind and solar.  Natural gas usage is off-set through carbon credits purchased from the Carbon Fund.

Travel & Commuting

Phinney Estate Law is a home-based business, in part, to minimize the need for commuting.  When visiting clients, attending court, or meeting with other service providers, we strive to walk, bike, or use public transportation whenever possible.  When car travel is required, Phinney Estate law off-sets the impact of that travel through carbon credits purchased from the Carbon Fund. It is the firm’s goal to purchase a hybrid car in the future to further reduce fuel usage. Until that time, we use a fuel efficient Honda. 

Community Involvement

In addition to our efforts to create a community of attorneys to work on these issues, Phinney Estate Law is actively involved in Phinney-Greenwood Climate Change Action Now  (PGCCAN) a local neighborhood group dedicated to a grassroots approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from residents and businesses in our neighborhood.  Phinney Estate Law is also a business partner of Seattle Climate Action Now (Seattle CAN) a similar effort directed by the City of Seattle.