Even though digital technology has vastly reduced the amounts of toxic chemicals used to develop photos as well as the need to print photos that just end up in the garbage, it creates a different type of strain on the environment. Digital practices require a lot of energy to power all the electronic equipment and resources to create new equipment. In addition, if old or broken equipment is not disposed of properly it can cause severe environmental damage.

Greener Photographs

Besides using digital cameras and digital sharing methods, photographers can be more eco-responsible in many ways:

• Conserve electricity by powering down equipment when it is not in use.

• Unplug unused equipment such as battery chargers when they are not being used.

• Purchase high-capacity rechargeable batteries.

• Take advantage of natural light as much as possible and consider using LED and CFL lighting when appropriate.

• Switch to LCD computer monitors and television screens, which use less energy than regular or plasma screens.

• Use solar-powered battery chargers and battery packs.

• Consider powering the entire office through solar panels.

• Print photos on handmade and recycled papers.

• Showcase print photos in albums made from recycled and handmade materials.

• Go electronic for communication and advertising.

• Reuse and recycle everything possible.

• Make sure old electronics and batteries and chemicals are disposed of properly.

Eco-Examples

There are many ways photographers can green their business and their lives. Each will have his own passions and his own ways of being as green as possible.

Grazier Photography, a Boston-based husband and wife team, announced in the beginning of 2008 that they were going green. They felt that becoming a green photography business and offering a green wedding package was a natural progression in their lives since they already use digital photo technology, work at home, recycle, and purchase locally grown and organic food.

Now in addition to their regular eco-responsible ways, Grazier Photography is offering green wedding packages showcasing beautiful albums, including the company Couture Books, made from 50 percent recycled content. They also invest 5 percent of every wedding package into carbon offsets and actively support charities such as Habitat for Humanity, the National Wildlife Federation, and Oprah Winfrey's School for Leadership.

His and Her Photography based in Portland, Oregon, claims its mission is “to provide artistic and creative photography to our clients while engaging in ecological and socially responsible business practices.” His and Her Photography supports these eco-responsible claims by using local resources, investing in renewable energy projects, powering the studio with wind energy, and shooting entirely with digital cameras powered with rechargeable NiMH batteries.

Many photographers and other business owners take being green very personally and strive to live a more meaningful, responsible lifestyle. They recycle all paper, packaging, and ink cartridges. They reduce and reuse, and they pass along their beliefs and strive to inspire others.