Today is Earth Day, an international day of observance dedicated to raising awareness of and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. As photographers, and humans, I believe we owe it to ourselves, and the future photographers of the world, to take considerations in our choices we make within our hobby/craft/business.

Why is being a green photographer important?

It’s really as simple as conservation. As photographers and artists most of us strive to capture beauty in it’s various forms. Without sustainable practices we run the risk of ruining the landscape of our environment for the wonderful photographers who will follow in our footsteps.

It’s also about smart business. Very often, being ecologically and economically sustainable go hand in hand. This is true even if photography is just a passion or hobby.

The environmentally friendly photographer

Whether it’s driven by economy or a greater awareness of climate change many photographers are choosing to include practices that are environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.

This trend in awareness and activism means you have options if you want to do more than use rechargeable batteries and really practice being a green photographer.

Choosing the right partners

There are great companies that have a commitment to conservation. Are the companies you partner with doing the same? Take Fine Print Imaging for example. They boast an entire facility that is powered by 100% Green Power through the Fort Collins, CO Green Power Program. If you plan on getting your printing done online this company is a great place to start your search.

If you’re like me, and like to print at home, then Red River Paper’s GreenPix Warm Tone Photo Matte for ink jet printers may be a great place to look as well. It’s made from 100% post consumer recycled fiber.

Selling your photographs should also include beautiful packaging. Rice Studio Supplies offers their Desert Sand 100% Recycled Portrait Case and I’m very impressed.

For a very comprehensive list of businesses serving the photography community that have a commitment to environmentally friendly practices visit GreenerPhotography.org’s resources list.

Become a green photography activist

This is about talking the talk while you walk the walk. Tell other photographers about some of the steps you’ve made to be socially responsible with your photography. Perhaps it’s a story of how you buy used cameras and lenses to leave a smaller footprint (and save cash) or maybe it’s showing off your brand new awesome Solar Camera bag. Whatever the case spread the word!

I recently re-discovered that Epson will recycle their branded ink jet cartridges! I use tons of those with my Epson R2880 and hadn’t been recycling them. I’m now saving them to ship back to Epson every other month or so.

Baby steps

Becoming a greener photographer doesn’t have to happen overnight. In fact, if you tried to go that route you’d probably become overwhelmed by all of the research and options. But it’s important because we have future photographers out there who will appreciate the effort we all make in doing what is socially responsible.

Make every day Earth Day!

Have you taken any steps to green your photography? Let us know what you’ve done to make your passion for photography more environmentally friendly!

Photographs:

Advection by V A L E N C I A

63/365 Recycle by rakeif

Hanging out in a green tuque by DRG Photography