At MISGIF, we believe unforgettable photo booth experiences shouldn’t come at the planet’s expense. As a Phoenix-based, woman-owned, Green Certified small business, we’re committed to creating fun, on-theme photo moments while promoting a more sustainable and socially responsible Arizona events industry.
Our sustainability policy guides us in reducing our environmental impact, supporting ethical practices, and strengthening our local Arizona economy and community.
Because the truth is not every photo booth can be 100% sustainable, we created our own carbon-offset initiative: the GIF Back Club. While many traditional carbon offset programs support projects far from home, with some argued to be ineffective by environmental experts—we wanted to focus our impact locally and do better. So, instead of buying generic carbon credits, we created a local solution that makes a difference right here in Arizona—or whatever state your event is held in.
Through the GIF Back Club a portion of profits from every corporate photo booth rental is donated to local nonprofits that focus on one of the three pillars of sustainability—environment, social, and economic—and for transparency,, we highlight these nonprofit partnerships here.
But giving back isn’t just about dollars—it’s about action. Our GIF Back Club also empowers us to:
Below is an overview of how we at MISGIF are actively working toward a more sustainable future in events, more specifically what our current objectives, action items and goals are for our small business.
1. Environmental Sustainability
Objective: Reduce our environmental impact by minimizing waste, conserving energy and water, using eco-friendly materials and embracing low-emission transportation methods.
Waste Diversion Actions We’re Currently Taking:
Our goal for waste diversion in 2025 is to transition to using 95% reusable items (5% single-use items) for year-round operations. Currently we are focusing on finding reusable alternatives for taping down extension cords since the majority of items we use are reusable. Additionally, we are working on updating all questionnaires to include sustainability education so our clients are able to more easily understand what impact their customization choices have and make more informed choices. Currently we are focusing on updating these questionnaires as well as publishing accompanying blogs with in depth information and resources on various sustainability topics including waste diversion as it pertains to photo booths.
Energy Conservation Actions We’re Currently Taking:
Our goal for energy conservation in 2025 is to upgrade our current Samsung WA40J3000AW/AA washer to an Energy Star certified washer. While our current washer is considered “energy-efficient” by some standards and we only run 1-4 loads per quarter (4 months), this upgrade will assist us with lowering our energy use. Additionally, we are working on updating all questionnaires to include sustainability education so our clients are able to more easily understand what impact their customization choices have and make more informed choices. Currently we are focusing on updating these questionnaires as well as publishing accompanying blogs with in depth information and resources on various sustainability topics including energy conservation as it pertains to photo booths.
Water Conservation Actions We’re Currently Taking:
Our goal for water conservation in 2025 is to maintain our goal of 0-2 washer loads per quarter (every 4 months.) Additionally, we are working on updating all questionnaires to include sustainability education so our clients are able to more easily understand what impact their customization choices have and make more informed choices. Currently we are focusing on updating these questionnaires as well as publishing accompanying blogs with in depth information and resources on various sustainability topics including water conservation as it pertains to photo booths.
Toxic Elimination Actions We’re Currently Taking:
Our goal for toxic elimination in 2025 is to explore and test effective, natural sanitizers and cleaning products for future long-term use, to replace chemical cleaners. Additionally, we are working on updating all questionnaires to include sustainability education so our clients are able to more easily understand what impact their customization choices have and make more informed choices. Currently we are focusing on updating these questionnaires as well as publishing accompanying blogs with in depth information and resources on various sustainability topics including toxic elimination as it pertains to photo booths.
Transportation Reduction Actions We’re Currently Taking:
Our goal for transportation reduction in 2025 is to maintain our current actions, focusing on reducing the number of vehicles on the road for events or reliance on vehicles for day-to-day office work.
2. Social Sustainability
Objective: Foster an inclusive, community-focused business that supports local nonprofits focused on the three pillars of sustainability (environment, social, and economic) and promotes sustainability education.
Community Engagement Actions We’re Currently Taking:
Our goal for community engagement in 2025 is to donate an additional $10,000 to Arizona nonprofits focused on the three pillars of sustainability as well as focus our volunteer efforts on sustainability. As of June 1, 2025 we have donated approximately $4,500 to Arizona nonprofits and sponsored over $25,000 in photo booth services. This year, we have volunteered with Trees Matter, so far.
Education & Advocacy Actions We’re Currently Taking:
Our goal for education and advocacy in 2025 is to apply for Arizona Forward’s Emerging Sustainability Leaders Program for 2025-2026 and solidify plans for the launch of our sustainable event business collective in Arizona at the start of 2026. As of June 1, 2025 we have spoken at the country’s largest annual photo booth conference, specifically about sustainable practices for photo booth businesses.
Ethical Business Actions We’re Currently Taking:
Our goal for ethical business practices in 2025 is to hire more diverse talent, specifically partnering with new and diverse local contractors and vendors.
3. Economic Sustainability
Objective: Maintain long-term financial health while reinvesting in sustainable practices and supporting Arizona’s local economy.
Local Sourcing Actions We’re Currently Taking:
Our goal for local sourcing practices in 2025 is to maintain our above goals and publish educational blogs on our new website that highlight recommended local sourcing partners.
Local Banking Actions We’re Currently Taking:
Our goal for local banking practices in 2025 is to move 100% of our business banking accounts to OneAZ Credit Union and conduct all business banking through them for debited, ACH and check transactions. As of June 1, 2025 we have accomplished 50% of our goal.
Sustainable Revenue Growth Actions We’re Currently Taking:
Reinvestment in Sustainability Actions We’re Currently Taking:
Our goal for reinvestment in sustainability in 2025 is to restructure our entire business model and branding so that MISGIF is operates as a high-impact, small business that serves its local community efficiently.
Looking Forward (2025 and Beyond)
MISGIF is committed to being a leader in Phoenix, Arizona sustainable small business practices within the events industry, as well as the worldwide photo booth industry.
Our long-term goals include streamlining our operations to be more efficient, impactful, and sustainable; building a community of Arizona event professionals and photo booth businesses committed to eco-conscious practices; and launching a free, accessible Arizona Sustainable Events Industry Guide for our entire event community.
We believe that small businesses have the power to make a big impact, regardless of their size. By choosing MISGIF, our clients contribute to a more eco-friendly, socially responsible, and economically sustainable events industry.
Our sustainability policy guides us in reducing our environmental impact, supporting ethical practices, and strengthening our local Arizona economy and community.
Because the truth is not every photo booth can be 100% sustainable, we created our own carbon-offset initiative: the GIF Back Club. While many traditional carbon offset programs support projects far from home, with some argued to be ineffective by environmental experts—we wanted to focus our impact locally and do better. So, instead of buying generic carbon credits, we created a local solution that makes a difference right here in Arizona—or whatever state your event is held in.
Through the GIF Back Club a portion of profits from every corporate photo booth rental is donated to local nonprofits that focus on one of the three pillars of sustainability—environment, social, and economic—and for transparency,, we highlight these nonprofit partnerships here.
But giving back isn’t just about dollars—it’s about action. Our GIF Back Club also empowers us to:
- Volunteer in the community alongside our nonprofit partners
- Provide free or discounted photo booth services to nonprofit events
- Support grassroots initiatives in various ways that align with our values
- Implement and inspire others to embrace sustainable event solutions
Below is an overview of how we at MISGIF are actively working toward a more sustainable future in events, more specifically what our current objectives, action items and goals are for our small business.
1. Environmental Sustainability
Objective: Reduce our environmental impact by minimizing waste, conserving energy and water, using eco-friendly materials and embracing low-emission transportation methods.
Waste Diversion Actions We’re Currently Taking:
- Maintain upkeep of our reusable fleet of photo booth equipment including backdrops, and props to service events while investing in high-quality, multi-purpose, reusable equipment and brands
- Donate, resell or responsibly recycle/upcycle photo booth equipment, backdrops, and props, with an emphasis on partnering with local nonprofits, fellow photo booth businesses, and sustainability-focused organizations
- Encourage clients to opt-in for more sustainable photo booth packages that prioritize waste diversion (in-stock backdrops and props, no vinyl branded wraps, no printed photos, etc.)
- Replace single-use items with reusable alternatives
- Utilize reusable water bottles for on-site staff at events
- Encourage clients to choose 2”x6” prints which utilizes less waste (paper, ink, and plastic), when printing is required
Our goal for waste diversion in 2025 is to transition to using 95% reusable items (5% single-use items) for year-round operations. Currently we are focusing on finding reusable alternatives for taping down extension cords since the majority of items we use are reusable. Additionally, we are working on updating all questionnaires to include sustainability education so our clients are able to more easily understand what impact their customization choices have and make more informed choices. Currently we are focusing on updating these questionnaires as well as publishing accompanying blogs with in depth information and resources on various sustainability topics including waste diversion as it pertains to photo booths.
Energy Conservation Actions We’re Currently Taking:
- Unplug event and office equipment when not in use and move prep days to 1-2 days prior to event to conserve energy
- Encourage clients to opt-in for more sustainable photo booth packages that prioritize energy efficiency (in-stock backdrops and props, no vinyl branded wraps, no printed photos, etc.)
- Reduce the length of time that we host online galleries, photo files and Dropbox folders of photos online
- Monitor monthly energy consumption for sanitization and reduce quarterly washer loads to 0-2 every 4 months
- Air-drying all backdrops and props outdoors after washing
- Encourage clients to choose 2”x6” prints which utilizes less energy (total number of photos printed), when printing is required
Our goal for energy conservation in 2025 is to upgrade our current Samsung WA40J3000AW/AA washer to an Energy Star certified washer. While our current washer is considered “energy-efficient” by some standards and we only run 1-4 loads per quarter (4 months), this upgrade will assist us with lowering our energy use. Additionally, we are working on updating all questionnaires to include sustainability education so our clients are able to more easily understand what impact their customization choices have and make more informed choices. Currently we are focusing on updating these questionnaires as well as publishing accompanying blogs with in depth information and resources on various sustainability topics including energy conservation as it pertains to photo booths.
Water Conservation Actions We’re Currently Taking:
- Monitor monthly water consumption for sanitization and reduce quarterly washer loads to 0-2 every 4 months
- Sanitize fabric backdrops and props in-house with our own washer and air-drying them outdoors
- Offset the water-usage AI (artificial intelligence) requires by donating a portion of our profits from every event that utilizes AI to Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter
Our goal for water conservation in 2025 is to maintain our goal of 0-2 washer loads per quarter (every 4 months.) Additionally, we are working on updating all questionnaires to include sustainability education so our clients are able to more easily understand what impact their customization choices have and make more informed choices. Currently we are focusing on updating these questionnaires as well as publishing accompanying blogs with in depth information and resources on various sustainability topics including water conservation as it pertains to photo booths.
Toxic Elimination Actions We’re Currently Taking:
- Reduce investing in props that require chemical-cleaners
- Ensure all cleaning products are EPA-approved and non-toxic, or comprised of natural ingredients that are not harmful to the environment or wildlife
- Encourage clients to choose 2”x6” prints which utilizes less toxic chemicals (ink), when printing is required
Our goal for toxic elimination in 2025 is to explore and test effective, natural sanitizers and cleaning products for future long-term use, to replace chemical cleaners. Additionally, we are working on updating all questionnaires to include sustainability education so our clients are able to more easily understand what impact their customization choices have and make more informed choices. Currently we are focusing on updating these questionnaires as well as publishing accompanying blogs with in depth information and resources on various sustainability topics including toxic elimination as it pertains to photo booths.
Transportation Reduction Actions We’re Currently Taking:
- Utilize fuel-efficient company Toyota Prius as often as possible when driving to and from events to reduce emissions
- Encourage carpooling when traveling to and from events to reduce emissions
- Reduce team's travel to and from office when not necessary and their home is closer to event venues to reduce emissions
- Utilizing work-from-home strategies that reduce driving
- Eliminate all event walk-thru's and driving to and from venues pre-event date by utilizing questionnaires that allow clients to upload event layouts and descriptions
- Renting an office that is within walking distance for CEO and Operations Director to reduce driving
- Renting an RV Lot space that is within walking distance for CEO and Operations Director to reduce driving
Our goal for transportation reduction in 2025 is to maintain our current actions, focusing on reducing the number of vehicles on the road for events or reliance on vehicles for day-to-day office work.
2. Social Sustainability
Objective: Foster an inclusive, community-focused business that supports local nonprofits focused on the three pillars of sustainability (environment, social, and economic) and promotes sustainability education.
Community Engagement Actions We’re Currently Taking:
- Maintain our Arizona Green Business Certification through Local First Arizona
- Donate a portion of our profits from every corporate photo booth rental to local nonprofits focused on the three pillars of sustainability
- Publish educational nonprofit partner-focused blogs on our new website
- Participate quarterly in local nonprofit volunteer initiatives that support the three pillars of sustainability
Our goal for community engagement in 2025 is to donate an additional $10,000 to Arizona nonprofits focused on the three pillars of sustainability as well as focus our volunteer efforts on sustainability. As of June 1, 2025 we have donated approximately $4,500 to Arizona nonprofits and sponsored over $25,000 in photo booth services. This year, we have volunteered with Trees Matter, so far.
Education & Advocacy Actions We’re Currently Taking:
- Serve on Local First Arizona’s Sustainability Advisory Committee
- Publish educational sustainability-focused blogs on our new website
- Provide free & accessible education to photo booth businesses
- Collaborate with local event planners and vendors to create more sustainable events
Our goal for education and advocacy in 2025 is to apply for Arizona Forward’s Emerging Sustainability Leaders Program for 2025-2026 and solidify plans for the launch of our sustainable event business collective in Arizona at the start of 2026. As of June 1, 2025 we have spoken at the country’s largest annual photo booth conference, specifically about sustainable practices for photo booth businesses.
Ethical Business Actions We’re Currently Taking:
- Prioritize hiring diverse talent and fostering an inclusive work environment
- Ensure all team members are paid a fair, living wage that reflects the cost of living in Arizona
- Publish educational diversity & inclusion-focused blogs on our new website
- Encourage fair wages and ethical labor practices throughout our supply chain
Our goal for ethical business practices in 2025 is to hire more diverse talent, specifically partnering with new and diverse local contractors and vendors.
3. Economic Sustainability
Objective: Maintain long-term financial health while reinvesting in sustainable practices and supporting Arizona’s local economy.
Local Sourcing Actions We’re Currently Taking:
- Source at least 70% of our materials, goods, and services from Arizona small businesses, prioritizing sustainable and minority-owned vendors
- Strategically partner with local vendors and small businesses that can provide in-stock or locally-made/sourced equipment/event decor, etc.
Our goal for local sourcing practices in 2025 is to maintain our above goals and publish educational blogs on our new website that highlight recommended local sourcing partners.
Local Banking Actions We’re Currently Taking:
- Move our business banking accounts to OneAZ Credit Union (local to Arizona and prioritizes supporting Arizona nonprofits)
- Publish educational local banking-focused blogs on our new website
Our goal for local banking practices in 2025 is to move 100% of our business banking accounts to OneAZ Credit Union and conduct all business banking through them for debited, ACH and check transactions. As of June 1, 2025 we have accomplished 50% of our goal.
Sustainable Revenue Growth Actions We’re Currently Taking:
- Expand our sustainable photo booth offerings and partnerships with local vendors, businesses and nonprofits who prioritize sustainability
- Partner with nonprofits and businesses via our GIF Back Club to increase referrals to MISGIF and/or sponsorships for photo booths, as well as donations to local nonprofits
- Our goal for sustainable revenue growth in 2025 is to launch our GIF Back Club Referral Program for businesses and nonprofits that encourages sustainable revenue growth as well as increased funding opportunities for local nonprofits.
Reinvestment in Sustainability Actions We’re Currently Taking:
- Dedicate 100% of our nonprofit donations to Arizona nonprofits (when events held in Arizona) whose programs contribute to one of the three pillars of sustainability (environmental, social, economic)
- Invest in continued education, innovation, and sustainable technology and creative concepts to minimize our business’s carbon footprint
Our goal for reinvestment in sustainability in 2025 is to restructure our entire business model and branding so that MISGIF is operates as a high-impact, small business that serves its local community efficiently.
Looking Forward (2025 and Beyond)
MISGIF is committed to being a leader in Phoenix, Arizona sustainable small business practices within the events industry, as well as the worldwide photo booth industry.
Our long-term goals include streamlining our operations to be more efficient, impactful, and sustainable; building a community of Arizona event professionals and photo booth businesses committed to eco-conscious practices; and launching a free, accessible Arizona Sustainable Events Industry Guide for our entire event community.
We believe that small businesses have the power to make a big impact, regardless of their size. By choosing MISGIF, our clients contribute to a more eco-friendly, socially responsible, and economically sustainable events industry.
