- get proofs online
- ask for recycled photo paper
- sign contracts over email
- choose digital photography
I recently met a local green photographer here in the Bay Area. I asked to share with us how she is sustainable and green both in her business practices and in her life. She had some great ideas to share. Here is what Kira Stackhouse had to say about being green:
Why did you start offering sustainable photography?
Offering sustainable photography was something that was included with the launch of my business. To me, there are no two ways around it - having a business and operating it responsibly go hand in hand. I didn't actually decide to market myself as a "sustainable" photographer per se, but rather have sustainability and using eco-friendly alternatives be a set standard to which I naturally operate. I am a strong believer that if there are greener solutions available, I would be crazy not to use and implement them because it's the little choices that add up to make a big difference.
How is your business green/sustainable?
We are sustainable in a number of ways. For instance, when we send out contracts, we've switched to a digital format where clients can send and sign a PDF agreement via the internet. When we do have to print something, we print only on New Leaf 100% recycled paper (100% post consumer waste). All of our marketing materials, including printed holiday cards and notecards, postcards, business cards, and client gallery cards are printed on recycled paper using soy based inks (by an offset printer). We also no longer offer printed proofs as part of our wedding packages as to cut down on waste - they are available a la carte now, since most of the time clients will only frame a small handful of the prints and the rest will sit in a box in the closet. We also use Zipcar to get around to all of our photoshoots. Zipcar is easy and convenient, and we save a ton of money on gas and insurance, not to mention that each Zipcar is like taking 14 cars off the road! For image delivery, we also offer the choice between receiving a disc of the images or having images available to download online. Many clients choose the online download simply because it is faster and more convenient than having to wait to receive the disc in the mail!
We are sustainable in a number of ways. For instance, when we send out contracts, we've switched to a digital format where clients can send and sign a PDF agreement via the internet. When we do have to print something, we print only on New Leaf 100% recycled paper (100% post consumer waste). All of our marketing materials, including printed holiday cards and notecards, postcards, business cards, and client gallery cards are printed on recycled paper using soy based inks (by an offset printer). We also no longer offer printed proofs as part of our wedding packages as to cut down on waste - they are available a la carte now, since most of the time clients will only frame a small handful of the prints and the rest will sit in a box in the closet. We also use Zipcar to get around to all of our photoshoots. Zipcar is easy and convenient, and we save a ton of money on gas and insurance, not to mention that each Zipcar is like taking 14 cars off the road! For image delivery, we also offer the choice between receiving a disc of the images or having images available to download online. Many clients choose the online download simply because it is faster and more convenient than having to wait to receive the disc in the mail!
What do you do in your own life that is green?
On a daily basis, I try to live as eco friendly as possible. When possible I eat organic which is much healthier for your body (My pets even eat organic!), I also ride my bike, walk or use public transportation to get around (in addition to using Zipcar). I also use a reusable water bottle to carry drinks instead of buying bottled water (Americans throw away 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour, most of which are non biodegradable). Also at home I use CFL lightbulbs as using a Brita water pitcher to drink clean water. I also own a pet clothing company (scutte.com) where all the items are made from 100% recycled human clothes.
On a daily basis, I try to live as eco friendly as possible. When possible I eat organic which is much healthier for your body (My pets even eat organic!), I also ride my bike, walk or use public transportation to get around (in addition to using Zipcar). I also use a reusable water bottle to carry drinks instead of buying bottled water (Americans throw away 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour, most of which are non biodegradable). Also at home I use CFL lightbulbs as using a Brita water pitcher to drink clean water. I also own a pet clothing company (scutte.com) where all the items are made from 100% recycled human clothes.
What would your advice be for a green bride or groom?
In addition to sustainable photography, I would definitely encourage a couple to consider green alternatives for every aspect of the wedding - from looking for organically grown flowers and choosing organic and sustainable catering to considering a ring sourced from fair trade and/or reclaimed metal to having their wedding invitations printed on recycled paper (or even skipping the printed invites and using an online invitation). There are countless ways to make a wedding green without compromising on the quality and uniqueness of the event! I would also suggest considering a destination wedding - destination weddings are usually smaller and more intimate and they are usually less costly than the production of an entire wedding. I find that couples who choose destination weddings usually have another more casual celebration later with extended family and friends.
If you could invent one thing to help us be more sustainable/eco-friendly, what would it be and why?
I can't think of an invention however I'd just suggest that being consistent with every small green step you make will ultimately leave a big impression in the future. By choosing green alternatives (services, products, etc), you'll not only be setting a good example to the people around you but will also be contributing to the longevity and health of the planet.
Thanks Kira for your answers!
G&G
I can't think of an invention however I'd just suggest that being consistent with every small green step you make will ultimately leave a big impression in the future. By choosing green alternatives (services, products, etc), you'll not only be setting a good example to the people around you but will also be contributing to the longevity and health of the planet.
Thanks Kira for your answers!
G&G
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