Comments on: Six Steps to Becoming a Green Photographer

By: Karl Johnston

Karl Johnston — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 19:27:25 +0000

I have been thinking on enacting greener principles myself, lately. I go as far as taking my bike to sessions, dramatically cutting down on the price of gas for myself.

I have a saying; "Every day I try to be 1 step ahead, except for the days when I can't help but be 11 steps ahead"

Basically, if you can find a way to go green; do it. Don't wait. It's a lot cheaper than you think, and you have the right to appeal to the eco-friendly consumer.

By: gene x hwang/orange photography

gene x hwang/orange photography — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:02:41 +0000

Great info and comments! We've gone green (first photography studio to be party of the City/County of San Francisco's Green Business Program) and it's been a lot of small adjustments as well as many of what you've written above. We started composting as well and although we only have six full timers at the studio during the weekdays, we've found that more than %60 of our trash is compostable. I know composting isn't available everywhere but you can also do your own.

By: Scott Baradell

Scott Baradell — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:58:22 +0000

Sean, I think Theresa's last paragraph answers your question, and is a great tip to add:

"In addition to recycling the more common items that can go into the curbside recycling bin, there are many electronics recycling programs for items like digital cameras, camcorders, cell phones, radios, televisions, printers, etc... Office Depot has Tech Trash and RadioShack has Trade-In that will calculate the value of the old electronics and generate a redeemable gift card for new purchases at any RadioShack store."

By: Theresa

Theresa — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:27:51 +0000

These are great tips. Many of which can be applied to other applications as well – namely business operations or home.

In addition to photos, business documents can also go digital and paperless (i.e. annual report, newsletters). Posting large files on an FTP site is great when it's too big to email. I've forwarded or downloaded AV files that way too (audio recordings, videos, client commercials).

Putting driving directions on the cell phone is a new but good one. I usually print out directions on the second side of previously used paper. If it's a location that I'll return to again, I will file the printed directions in a expandable accordian file/wallet. I file the location (or person) alphabetically so it's easy to retrieve the next time I drive there.

In addition to lasting longer than disposable alkaline batteries, rechargeable batteries can be recycled after they can no longer hold a proper charge. While they can be charged up to 1,000 times and last between 2-5 years, eventually they will wear out. Find a convenient neighborhood drop off location at http://www.call2recycle.org.

In addition to recycling the more common items that can go into the curbside recycling bin, there are many electronics recycling programs for items like digital cameras, camcorders, cell phones, radios, televisions, printers, etc... Office Depot has Tech Trash and RadioShack has Trade-In that will calculate the value of the old electronics and generate a redeemable gift card for new purchases at any RadioShack store.

By: Sean Cayton

Sean Cayton — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:53:59 +0000

All great suggestions Aaron.

I do wonder about digital though... Is it really greener?

What about all of those first, second and third generation cameras that just like old computer equipment are sitting on my shelf and are filled with some pretty nasty metals?

I suppose we could donate them to the local school but what happens after that?

Also, another thought about being a green photographer: Stay local!

Live and work in the same place and your footprint on the environment is a lot smaller...

Thanks for a great read!