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.