Preserve Film, Preserve Earth: Incorporating Sustainability in Every Aspect of Analog Photography
We live in a fast-paced digital world, at the expense of our planet. How does film break the boundaries of capturing moments on Earth while protecting it?
By SAMANTHA KWOK
Picture this. Tucked away, in a hole-in-the-wall, is a treasure trove of relics and analog wonder – vintage cameras and rolls of film. In a world that favors the digital, analog is experiencing a resurgence, fueled by nostalgia and the unique touch of film. That’s what the Kodak Preserve Film, Preserve Earth campaign is all about.
Film photography is experiencing a renaissance, not only for its timeless aesthetic but also for its connection to sustainability. Kodak’s guide shows you how to preserve the magic of film and capture the beauty of Earth.
PHOTOGRAPHY IN ACTION
Quality Over Quantity. Film photography is an inherently thoughtful process. The standard roll of 35mm film allows 36 photos, meaning photographer must be intentional with their shots to minimize the number of exposures per roll.
Sustainable Film Stock. Buy film stocks from companies committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly materials. Also, take advantage of repackaged film stocks!
ECO-FRIENDLY DEVELOPING
Green Chemistry. Use environmentally-friendly and non-toxic developing chemicals like caffenol. Some commercial developers, like Kodak’s Xtol developer, have a longer shelf life. Many processing labs use Xtol. Reuse processing chemicals to reduce the environmental impact associated with disposal. Dispose of chemicals responsibly by contacting your local hazardous waste facility. Never pour chemicals down the drain, which can contaminate marine life and water sources.
Repurpose Film Waste. Opt for films with minimal or recycled packaging. Film cannisters and negatives aren’t recyclable, but can be repurposed. Stretch the boundaries of your creativity to find ways to reuse them. Or send them into Kodak for us to repurpose.
OUTSIDE THE DARKROOM
Embrace Earth. The world is changing. With damage done to our environment, we must preserve the memory of it by capturing what makes it beautiful and taking care of our planet. Film was once a relic, but we’ve preserved it. Our attitude toward the planet is no different.
Walk the Walk. We can all do our part in educating photographers about the environmental impact of photography and the importance of sustainable practices. It means advocating for change, pushing for transparency within the industry and supporting the brands and suppliers that prioritize the environment.
While small changes in your analog practices may not seem like much, our collective actions make a difference. Film is alive and so is our planet. Let’s keep it that way! Join Kodak today to preserve film, preserve Earth.
*Not affiliated with Kodak. All content was created as an assignment for the Multimedia Content Creation for Brand Storytelling (PR524) class.