Deb looks forward to working with you - as your very own Personal Ecologist!
Understanding The Personal Ecologist’s Rates
Please read the following information in its entirety before booking a consultation.
I believe we are living through a truly transformational time that will bring much-needed shifts to our outdated and dysfunctional systems. The work we will do together – as habitat partners – feels more important than ever. Indeed, the restoration of nature (and our place within it) is of vital importance to our future, and our life support system (Earth).
As a part of that collective change, I have adopted a new pricing model to:
Operate an equitable, community-supported small business.
Provide increased access to my services, while ensuring that my business will be economically viable for years to come.
Divest from the problematic aspects of capitalism.
To achieve this, my services are now offered under a self-selecting sliding scale.
Why am I using a self-selecting sliding scale?
Over the years I have been very thoughtful about determining my rates – but it was constrained by the typical fee-for-service business model. This “one size fits all” system feels rigid, unfair, and limiting - yet it’s the system under which business is done in our society (pay ‘x’, and you get ‘y’ – end of story).
I have encountered eager “Habitat Heroes” who would love to work with me, but simply could not afford my services. At the same time, I have also worked with people who felt my services were worth more than my fees – and everything in between.
As a sole proprietor with small profit margins, I need to operate a viable business.
AND…
I want to provide more access and equity within our community of Habitat Heroes. Together, I want us to play an active part in the collective arc toward economic, social, and environmental justice.
How do i book my consultation using the sliding scale?
1. Review what is included in a consultation before choosing your rate - click on the button below.
2. Read through the descriptions for the three self-selecting rates for a consultation (below).
3. When you click on the booking link for your chosen rate, you will see available dates, as well as your invested cost for that pricing tier.
4. Rather than a “cost”, in the typical capitalistic sense, think about the price as an investment in co-creating, conserving, and connecting our landscapes and our ecological future.
Please consider your entire financial picture when self-selecting – including wages, expenses, savings, privilege (and/or inherent obstacles or disadvantages), family wealth, etc. I do not require proof of your financial situation. Instead, I am using an honor system. When selecting your rate, please do not overthink it. I do not want this to cause stress. If you are really unsure about what tier to choose when booking, I suggest the Regular Rate.
Tiers of Investment:
Grassroots Rate
This community-supported rate is designed for those with limited expendable income experiencing financial constraints that might otherwise prevent us from working together*. This rate is supported by our larger community (those who book at the First Light Forward rate).
*If you have financial barriers that are not alleviated by this pricing, I may be able to accommodate you. Request a rate adjustment by sending a brief note to us here.
Regular Rate
This rate is for those who can afford the service without undue financial burden. This rate reflects the years of expertise and extensive resource materials that I bring to a consultation, and is calculated to meet my bottom-line costs of professional development and operating expenses, while also providing me with an appropriate wage.
First Light Forward
This community-building rate is for those who place a high value on my services as part of our shared ecological future, and have the means to “pay it forward”. When you choose this rate you make it possible for me to serve Grassroots-level Habitat Heroes. Your support will also allow me to build my capacity and impact as an ecological educator. Booking at this rate will make it possible for me to devote more time to informing and empowering people of diverse backgrounds to repair and restore habitats at home, within our local communities, schools, businesses, and common spaces.
Ready to Book your In-Person Consultation?
First Light’s Payment & Refund Policy