Green Photographers Network

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[...] For a good start, take a look at our 10 Rules to be a green photographer. [...]

//Become a Green Photographer! | Green Photographers Network
19 December 2008 at 19:59

[...] I already wrote few weeks ago in precedent article (10 rules to be a green photographer), I decide to make a quicker and smaller list to have a good [...]

//5 steps to take to become a Green Photographer | Green Photographers Network
7 May 2009 at 12:44

Glad to see that people are thinking about going green with their photography!

I would be interested to know if there has been an actual comparison done to compare the greenness of digital photography vs. film photography. I think we’ve all had that intuitive reaction that because film uses chemicals, it must be worse for the environment. However, I think that this may be a narrow interpretation, Consider:

1) Digital cameras require more resources to build than many film cameras, given the increased amount of electronics required. My mid-1960s Pentax Spotmatic requires just enough electronics to feed the light meter.

2) The short life span of digital cameras. Digital cameras feature built in obsolence, and with the ever-growing number of pixels, the digital SLR bought last year, will not seem adequate to many users even in a year or two. As noted above, my main film camera is now 40 years old. I have cameras that are still in service as old as 65 years old. Does anyone sincerely believe that their Canon 5D will still be in service in 2015, let alone 2050? All those disposable cameras will end up… in a landfill. Many of the chemicals used in the process of building them will lead to ground pollution.

3) The availability of green processing chemicals. No one doubts that film chemicals can be bad. However, there are green solutions. Water, citrus juices or vinegar can substitute for rapid fixer. You can use instant coffee mixed with laundry detergent to develop film. I have actually seen a line of chemicals for film processing that purport to be green.

Perhaps at the end of the day digital is a greener (a more apt moniker, since both photographic mediums are not environmentally neutral), but I think it would be interesting to see an actual comparison based on more than the film development process.

//Erinn
22 May 2009 at 14:14

Hello Erinn,

That’s a very good comment. Thank you very much to open the debate.
My quick point of view on your 3 points are:

1) That’s true that Digital Camera required more electronics but less mechanical parts. Which ones need energy too, to be produce. But, like you said, we need specialist on this question and I will be more than happy to have someone whom knows both process to tell us which one is the greener. I think we may be surprised.

2) You are right when you said that the film camera are here and stay longer than the digital one but, I have mine digital camera since 3 years now and my clients are happy by the pictures I produce so I will keep it for a while. But, it’s hard to say what will be the digital cameras in 10 years. They are changing so fast…

3) Again, very good point! I didn’t know that we can have green products to develop films. But, before digital age, the chemicals were so bad and I am pretty sure that all labs didn’t care about to recycle them. I can’t imagine to see all these labs today using green solutions: to expensive for them, I think. But again, if someone who knows this domain, feel free to answer all the questions we have regarding this point.

Erinn, you make very good points here and I may write a post about it. It’s open a new way to think green with film. But what about the process to create films and papers, are they green?

Frederic

//Frederic Sune (author)
22 May 2009 at 18:36

No 1 is just plain nonsense. This debate has gone on for years and there is no consensus of opinion on the matter either way. To put is as one of the rules of a “green” photographer is nothing more than assumption.

The assumption that ALL chemicals are bad is not accurate. Some are certainly not good, like the Bleach/Fix (AKA Blix) chemicals used in color processing, especially with Cibachrome (which came with a neutralizing agent), and certain toning solutions. However, most chemicals are safe enough that they can be dumped down the drain or toilet and are removed in the septic system. In the US, commercial processors are now required to have capture systems in order to recycle the silver (which is in miniscule amounts anyway).

Yes, there are things we can, and should do. For example, I’ve replaced the batteries in my Nikon F6 (a film camera) with a rechargeable battery (the same one used in the D3), even though the batteries last a long time.

Nowdays, very few photographers are using 35mm cameras, which can have a lof electronics. You will find many photographers who still shoot film use mostly large format cameras, which have no batteries and few moving parts.

//Robert
2 August 2009 at 11:54

I just came across this site tonight. I run a certified green stock photo agency. Here is what I list on my website as things we do to be green:

Reduce Carbon Emissions – Our home-based office dramatically cuts transportation emissions. Bicycle and mass transit are used whenever possible. A 38 MPG fuel efficient vehicle is used when necessary. Trip planning reduces miles traveled.

Cut Energy Use – Use daylighting to reduce office lighting needs. Use energy efficient lights and equipment. Unplug electronic equipment when not in use. Use natural, energy-free ventilation.

Conserve Water – Installed high-efficiency toilet and low flow water aerators to dramatically cut water use without sacrificing functionality.

Reuse Extensively – Buy used office furniture to reduce waste in landfills. Refill ink cartridges. Print on used paper as much as possible.

Reduce Consumption – Encourage electronic documents for contracts and transactions. Buy paper products with significant post-consumer recycled content. Avoid purchasing products with excessive packaging. Use reusable cups and containers. Proactively remove ourselves from all junk and unwanted mailing lists.

Prevent Pollution – Use non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning supplies. Properly dispose of all e-waste and toxics.

Eat Vegetarian & Reduce Food Waste – Company founder and owner Mike Kahn has been vegetarian since 1998 for the synergistic benefits of environment, ethics, and health. A worm bin has been installed to compost food waste.

You can also find this listed here:
http://www.greenstockmedia.com/certified-green-photography-business.html

//Mike
21 October 2009 at 23:40

I work at a professional print lab and we print nothing except digital. We put a new chemical box in the machines everyday and pour out quite a bit at night when the machines are turned off. Im not sure I get how you think that digital means no chemicals. Have you ever watched anything print? Photo paper is photo paper and still has to be developed. You don’t sound particularily educated my friend.
Do you have a better suggestion for “green” printing?

//Katy
24 January 2010 at 20:56

Hello Katy,

Thank you very much for your comment.
The “GREEN” solution would be no print at all. And I think we are almost there. Look what happen around us. Everything is digital: magazine, newspapers, family albums, everything… Is it good? No sure but, feel free to educate us as you said if you have a better option or solution.

Frederic

//Frederic Sune (author)
24 January 2010 at 21:38

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