When we think about sustainability our hobbies often get overlooked, but that’s not to say they don’t have an impact on the environment. From e-waste winding up in landfills to plastic casings and toxic film development, photography is one example of a creative sector that can be made more eco-friendly through conscious choices and easy swaps.
Why do sustainable photography practices matter?
The photography industry has a bigger environmental footprint than many creators realise. Studies suggest that approximately 100 photos and a few videos result in the same CO2 production as a 17km drive in a car. When we consider the number of photos we take every day and the storage that requires, it’s easy to see how just one aspect of this hobby can become incredibly damaging to the environment.
Camera equipment also contributes to the excessive amount of e-waste we produce on a global scale every year, with 1.6 million tonnes of electronic waste produced by the UK alone each year. Plastic casings, electronic components and batteries make cameras and their associated tools and accessories damaging to the planet if they’re not recycled properly.
Know your starting point
If you’re serious about reducing your carbon footprint, you need to know your starting point. A carbon calculator is invaluable for measuring your current impact, so you know if your swaps are making a difference. These factor in a host of metrics, from your travel and accommodation if you go abroad for your photography, to the materials you use and more. Once you have the facts, you can clearly see where to focus your efforts.
Choose used equipment
The most sustainable camera is the one you already have, and most modern camera bodies can last for several years without the quality deteriorating, and lenses even longer. Provided you take care of your camera kit, have it serviced and maintained regularly, and invest in a protective case for it, you should be able to use your gear for many years to come which reduces the need for replacements and the environmental cost of them.
However, it’s easy to become tempted by new models and features that are begging to be tried out in your own practice. Whether you want to try out a new lens, experience a different brand, or simply need to replace something in your kit, buying used is the sustainable way to go. Reputable sellers like MPB provide a wide range of used cameras, lenses and accessories that have been quality checked and refurbished so they’re as good as new but more cost-effective, both for you and the planet.
Power up sustainably
Your camera equipment requires a lot of energy to continue working, so making sure your gear is charged up before you head off is essential. This is an easy swap to make and more sustainable than just plugging into the wall. Solar power chargers and battery packs are ideal for keeping your camera topped up and also have the added bonus of being portable so you can charge on the go. When it comes time for your camera battery to be replaced, make sure it’s disposed of properly through a WEEE-compliant (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) recycling service to reduce the damage.
Digital or analogue?
Analogue film has become popular in recent years, but it uses a combination of gelatines and chemicals that are quite polluting. The camera film is also made using silver nitrate which is toxic to aquatic life and found in every single film and photographic paper.
What’s more, analogue film has to be developed in a lab, which increases the harmful chemicals even further and results in plastic waste from film cartridges and the developed rolls of film. While digital may seem like it’s more harmful because of the electricity it uses, it’s actually more eco-friendly because it doesn’t require all the chemicals and toxins to produce the photos.
Green printing options
That’s not to say that printing your digital prints is without any eco impact. From the paper to the inks, there’s an environmental cost to everything we do, including printing. However, there are swaps you can make to still print out your best images without doing harm.
Sustainable printing includes using recycled paper, soy- or water-based inks instead of traditional printing inks which contain solvents, and being more discerning about the images you print out rather than printing every shot you take. Alternatively, you could choose a low carbon printing service who will provide you with professional-level prints on a wider range of sustainable materials and using eco inks.
Sustainable photography doesn’t mean sacrificing creativity. In fact, it can inspire and enhance your artistic goals. With mindful habits, an understanding of your current impact, and opting for pre-loved equipment rather than defaulting to new, you can significantly reduce your ecological footprint while still enjoying the hobby you love.
