The environmental impact of film development in New Jersey

New Jersey is a state in the United States of America that has recently recorded a drastic change in its environment. According to researchers this drastic change can bring drought and flood into the state. As a result, people are becoming concerned about maintaining the ecological balance to avoid these catastrophes to occur. However, as of now, the more concerning thing is the air toxicity of the state. Which is unprecedentedly increasing at an abnormal rate.

Do we know how an environment degrades? It is either because of the industrial wastage and carbon emitted from various activities and things like vehicles, greenhouse gas, industries, and so on. But, did you know about the fact that it can also be triggered by activities like film development?

Well, it might sound unbelievable, but it is true. A film-developing process leaves tons of carbon footprint that has catastrophic impacts on the environment. Be it a digital camera or an analog, the pollution caused by shooting photos is without a doubt concerning.

Now, you must be wondering, how much a photographer will contribute to this cause by simply taking a few pictures and developing them. Well, if you try to look at it through an individual approach it won’t be much and worth negligible. However, if you imagine the sheer number of photographers and photo labs operating in the state, the very number is overwhelming and the statement itself makes sense.

But, how does taking a photo or developing a film impact adversely the environment? Let’s take a look at how.

Impacts of Film Developing on the Environment

Film Developing, be it color or black and white can heavily impact the environment. Since films are made of materials like plastic and silver halide, developing them requires certain chemicals which are used by photo labs. These chemicals often end up unused once a film is developed and is often discarded as waste materials that finally end up going down the drain or sewer or even in a garbage dump yard, but all the same, they are heavy wastes that carry the potential of degrading the environment.

As of now, there are over hundreds of photo labs operating in New Jersey. The wastage created by these photo labs is enormous and is being generated daily. So, if one looks at the bigger picture the problem is quite destructive to nature.

So, now the question is should you stop developing films or is there a way to reduce the impacts that are caused by developing films?

Is Eco-friendly Photography Possible?

Yes, Eco-friendly Photography is possible so is eco-friendly film development. According to various researchers, it has been recommended that an individual should emphasize choosing a photo lab responsibly. Meaning the photo lab should use a recycling approach when developing photographs from reels or digital storage.

By incorporating a recycling approach, a photo lab can bring a significant positive impact on the environment by saving it.

Choose GelatinLabs

If you are an avid photographer and are concerned about how much carbon footprint each of your snaps creates and how much wastage is created when developing your film. Then consider choosing GelatinLabs.

GelatinLabs is one of the pioneers in the photo development industry that uses an eco-friendly approach when developing your film. It recycles the material it uses which minimizes the emission of carbon to preserve the environment.

So, to join in the movement to preserve the world we are living in choose sustainability, choose GelatinLabs.

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How do I drop off my film?

1. Place your film order on gelatinlabs.com – select ‘Return Shipping’ at checkout’ to get negatives returned (and prints, if you ordered them).

2. Envelopes for your order are provided over the counter. Write your name and order number, and load film rolls inside.

3. Hand over your envelope to a Knickerbocker team member.

Your film will head to Gelatin Labs every Monday and Thursday!

How do I drop-off my film?

1. Place your film order on gelatinlabs.com – select ‘Ship Negatives’ to get negatives returned (and prints, if you ordered them).

2. Our box is located near the exit of the coffee shop. Take an envelope (or your own ziploc), bag up your film, and write your order number. Your film will head to Gelatin Labs!

How do I drop-off my film?

1. At the front entrance, buzz in to be let inside.

2. The Gelatin drop-off box is directly across from the front desk. Place your order via the QR code on the box. Select ‘Ship Negatives’ to get negatives (and prints, if you ordered them) returned.

3. Take an envelope (or your own ziploc) from the front desk, bag up your film, and write your order number. Your film will head to Gelatin Labs!

Turnaround

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For those not on a deadline, we process in the order we receive your film. Estimates are updated to reflect the current average time from “order start” to “order finish”. Flexible estimates are not guaranteed.

Order size and options chosen may affect turnaround time. Lots of film? Expect a longer lead time.

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Whatever type of work you create, the Gelatin Labs Print Upload will render beautiful, archival prints that will enable you to bring your art off of your screen and into the realm of physical existence. The process is simple: select your print size, upload your images, and pick from three distinct finishes!

8x10 inch

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Welcome to Gelatin Labs, your trusted partner for all your film photography needs! We recognize that each photographer has their unique preferences, which is why we are excited to introduce two remarkable options to cater to your individual needs: Simplified and Customized.

Simplified

DEVELOP + SCAN • PRINT

  • Streamlined options for quick checkout
  • Choose the look & feel of your images
  • Less options for an uncomplicated experience

Customized

DEVELOP • SCAN • PRINT

  • Expanded customization for film types, options, services
  • Upgrade to SuperPro hi-res scans
  • More options for the more advanced user

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