Eco-Friendly: A phrase that gets tossed around a lot, but the basic understanding of the act of being eco-friendly is thinking before making what usually is a unconscious decision that can directly or indirectly cause environmental harm to planet Earth. I don’t need to go on and on or quote findings from research done by some of the top scientists. If you have made it this far into the blog post then you probably already know what the deal is. If not, I will link to the most relevant study on human effects to the Earth here.
As a female photographer and videographer always on the go that always has to stay prepared for what I am met with in the field. I can’t let the decision of convenience out way the knowledge of knowing the best way to make sure that my carbon footprint is a low as possible. I know I nor anybody is perfect and we all are doing the best that we can, most of who are unlearning toxic behaviors. So let this list of ways to be eco-friendly help inspire you to be better at making more conscious and intentional decisions toward being a eco-friendly being.
- Multi-Purpose Camera Bag
2. Recyclable Shoes
With a job that requires being on your feet all day it is so important to invest in a
great shoe that will save your feet until you reach the end of the day. However the thing about investing in a good shoe is that is usually costs more since it is made of higher quality products. For a stylish, affordable, and sustainable shoe check out the styles at https://rothys.com. Flats, loafers, sneakers, and other styles that are made from single use plastic bottles that have been plaguing our oceans and landfills.
3. Refurbished Equipment
Before running out to Best Buy or your favorite camera manufacturer to buy new gear. Whether it is a new lens or even another camera consider buying your next camera equipment refurbished or used. Find a great starter kit for a great price on amazon here, or check out specific buy and sell camera sites like www.mpb.com or www.bhphotovideo.com for a great deal.
4. Reusable Lens Cloth
Nothing screams completely unnecessary like those individually packaged moist lens wipes you’ll find at the counter of your local camera store. Just do yourself and the planet a favor by opting for the microfiber lens cloths that you can find here.
5. Rechargeable Batteries
With the amount of batteries one female photographer or videographer goes through it can be a pain to keep track of to recycle them, trust me I have tried. Instead elect for rechargeable batteries, not only do they give your electronics more power but last longer and all you have to do is pop them on the charger at the end of the night. Find my favorite brand of rechargeable batteries here.
6. Solar Charging
A great alternative to the constant trek of finding an outlet. Even worse, having to check on your phone every five minutes because the outlet your charging your phone at is not in close proximity of the particular location you are working at. Solar charging is a super easy way to charge usb charged electronic devices by simply keeping the charger in constant sun before needing to top off you battery when your devices get low. Check out this cool solar charger here.
7. A Uniform
Keeping it simple with your lifestyle and wardrobe has a bigger impact than many think on the environment. By sticking to a uniform for work you are making less decisions before you start your day, saving that capacity for work. As well as the probability of less clothes getting to landfills, using less water to wash the clothes, and more time spent doing what you love.
8. Carpooling
Another simple way to live and work in a more eco-friendly way as a female photographer or videographer is by doing some quick coordinating to maximize space, gas, and all the other variables that go with owning a car. Get together with vendors/crew members to carpool. Which can create extra time to make a game plan during the commute, build a better rapport with colleagues, and learn new techniques all with just making a plan to carpool.
9. Snack Prep
I’ve made the mistake many times of not preparing for a long hot day of wedding filming. Which requires lots of water and fuel to keep your energy high. Make it a priority to be prepared with snacks however you can, if it includes waking up extra early or meal prepping the night before. Preferably homemade snacks and if you happen to have the snacks in single use packaging, it’s fine. Just being aware will help make better choices in the future and find new recipes you will want to try on Pinterest.
10. Reusable Coffee Cup and Water Bottle
Lastly, and hopefully something that some have at least implemented in their daily life. Carrying around a reusable, refillable water bottle and for the coffee lovers that frequent their local Starbucks, reusable coffee cups. It’s just a no brainer, single use plastic made for water bottles and ice coffee to go cups are not even recyclable, and most of them end up in landfills with an unforeseen time before then even begin to decompose. Check out the coffee cup and water bottle that I use as a female photographer and videographer.
Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you. Stay tuned for the next MAP Blog Post!