Bug Under Glass

ENVIRONMENT

I believe my business has a responsibility of operating in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner; as well as supporting community non-profit organizations that play an important role in science education, conservation and the less fortunate.

I accomplish these goals by: certifying my business through the San Francisco Green Business Program, only selling natural specimens that have been acquired in an ethical and environmentally way and contributing a portion of my profits to non-profit organizations that help support aspects of my company mission.



SAN FRANCISCO GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM

The San Francisco Green Business program is made of up of three City agencies: SF Environment, San Francisco Department of Public Health, and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and helps San Francisco businesses operate in an environmentally responsible manner and recognizes them for their efforts.

The San Francisco Green Business seal means City and County of San Francisco auditors have verified that a business complies with strict environmental standards to reduce waste, prevent pollution and conserve resources.

Over a year ago, Bug Under Glass went through the strict environmental certification process of the San Francisco Green Business Program. To earn this certification, I implemented green practices that, for example, led to cost savings in energy, water and waste bills.

Bug Under Glass is currently the first and only insect business to be certified in this manner.

Learn More: http://www.sfgreenbusiness.org/


MY ART

Obtaining a Master’s degree in conservation biology that focused on insect conservation has given me a strong foundation and knowledge of what species to avoid and which species are sustainable.

I carefully check the source of my insects and only use specimens I know to be abundant and sustainably farmed or sourced. I concentrate on insects from countries and programs that have working conservation strategies. Unlike most insect display businesses, I research the species I sell and provide this research to customers in the form of a museum label on the back of the display with natural history information.

Some insects I AVOID:
Rare or endangered species, Tiger Beetles, Dragonflies/Damselflies, Bees, Hawk Wasps, CITIES species.

Most of my insects come from insect farms that play an important role in conservation.

Learn more about Butterfly Farming and its conservation value.


CHARITY

Social responsibility for me goes further than purely environmental impact. For 2011, Bug Under Glass has donated over $600 to organizations that have a foundation in conservation, science education or making our community stronger.

Here are a few organizations B.U.G supports:

Savenature.org – A non-profit committed to inspiring participation and awareness in the preservation of fragile ecosystems by providing opportunities for personal direct action to save the diversity of life on Earth. They also run the popular Insect Discovery Lab.

The Entomological Foundation - serves the educational enterprise by leveraging science-community resources to educate youth in applying insect science for achieving a healthy environment.

Jungle to Jungle: Our mission is to to improve education by connecting students in Hawaii and around the world to one another and engage them in interactive, question- driven learning. We teach science AND how to be fluent in the new language of technology.

The Freedom House - Freedom House is shelter for Survivors of Slavery and Human Trafficking.