12 Things Photographers Can Do To Honor Earth Day

Earth Day is upon us. In large and small ways, every one of us can and should help clean up the planet, and reduce our carbon footprint. As photographers, we have a powerful weapon: our cameras. We can use photography to capture and share the planet’s fragile beauty, and to shed light on polluters. Here are 10 things you can do to have a more positive environmental impact.

First, an earth-friendly mini buying guide:

1. Switch to rechargeable batteries

If you are shooting with a digital camera, you most likely already are using a rechargeable battery. But what about your flash? If you are using standard Alkaline AA’s (standard on most shoe-mount flashes), switch to Nickel Metal hydride rechargeables. Visit the Rechargeable Batteries department at Adorama to see them all. With the high cost of batteries these days, you will quickly recoup the cost of rechargeable batteries and rechargers after just a few recharges while reducing toxic waste from the ecosystem.

2. Use solar power to recharge your batteries

Take it a step further: When you recharge your batteries by plugging a charger into a wall, you are most likely drawing energy from non-renewable sources. It’s easier than ever to harness the power of the sun using solar-powered portable chargers. While it’s not always practical to use a solar charger, it’s environmentally friendly to use them whenever you can. There are dozens of solar-powered battery chargers available at Adorama.

3. Replace incandescent and fluorescent lights with LEDs

While CFC bulbs are an improvement over incandescents for continuous light sources because they last longer and therefore reduce waste, they contain mercury, which can harm the environment if the bulbs aren’t disposed of properly. Some home improvement stores, such as Ikea, offer a free take-back program. Consider switching your continuous light source to LED bulbs. While they are pricier, they last much longer and don’t have the environmental risks that CFCs carry. See all LED bulbs available at Adorama.

4. Support brands that practice ethical and responsible manufacturing

Consumers are demanding more transparency and authenticity from the brands they support. Photographers, filmmakers, and content creators should do the same and hold high standards for the brand we buy from. Before you buy, be sure to research and understand what that brand is doing — not just for the good of its employees and workers, but for the good of the planet. Be aware of the brands you support and be sure they are worth supporting in the first place. 

For example, check out this list of sustainable creative and tech companies that are helping to reduce waste.

5. Only buy what you need

Yes, it’s exciting to have the latest and best gear. Yes, it’s exciting to get a new camera, lens, camera bag, or accessory. But before you buy, make sure to ask yourself: “Do I really need this?”

If the purchase is something necessary for your business or profession to grow and succeed, that’s a different story. But if you are buying camera gear just because you like new gear or you’re wanting to show off, that can be wasteful. Every piece of camera equipment and gear requires energy and materials to make. If you’re just buying to buy, it negatively affects the planet. So be smart with what you buy and only buy what you need.

Next, here are several activities you can do for Earth Day:

4. Spend a day observing nature

For some, the best tribute to the beauty and fragility of the planet we share is to simply observe. Spend the day hiking through a county or national park (like these must-visit favorites), use a spotting scope or binoculars to observe birds or wildlife, and of course, take pictures. Do not disturb the natural beauty, and don’t leave any wrappers, plastic bottles or other waste behind! Practice Leave No Trace (LNT) photography to leave no impact on our planet.

5. Document pollution with your camera

For others, documenting areas that require a cleanup and outing polluters is a very appropriate Earth Day activity. Be sure your exposure is accurate and focus is on target so anyone who sees the results will clearly see the problem. Be sure to include a wide view that indicates the location, and if your camera has a Geotagging function, be sure to use it. Then, share it on social networks and notify the appropriate authorities.

6: Enter The Earth Day Photo Contest

Enter your photos of nature in an Earth Day Photo contest to demonstrate the power of nature and landscape photography, and to bring awareness to the development of the planet.

7. Join the Artists for the Earth

Whether you’re a photographer, artist, or writer, or create film, dance, and music productions, you can use your creative medium to elevate the discourse around conservation and use your art to help shape the conversation about the Earth.

8. Get involved with — and photograph — a cleanup

Do it locally: Many towns have environmental committees that run cleanups of public lands, or you can join a Earth cleanup. This can be anything from removing litter from public parks to fixing walking paths, maintaining nature reserves and so forth. Get involved, and bring your camera! These groups, which may be affiliated with Scouts, 4H Clubs, or local religious institutions, would welcome volunteers, especially those who are willing to share good quality photos and raise awareness about their activities. Take pictures of the event and share them. This may encourage others to join in.

9. Document the effects of climate change in your area

Many believe that pollution and mass deforestation of rainforest is causing worldwide climate change, which is bringing on more extreme weather. Whether you’ve been hit by unusually severe storms, drought, or floods, go out on Earth Day and photograph how it has affected your area. It could be damage from Hurricane Sandy, parched crops, rivers that are now trickles. Share your images online to make more people aware of how climate change is affecting life at the local level.

10. Take a photo of the planet’s beauty and share it.

Go out on April 22 — Earth Day — and take a photo of the planet’s beauty. It can be a magnificent sunrise or sunset, a forest scene, budding spring leaves on trees, animals in the wild. It can be something as small as an insect, or as large as the Grand Canyon. Anything goes.

11. Plan more local trips

While it might be exciting to go on multiple international or transcontinental trips, constant jet-setting can have a negative impact on the planet. If you can, focus on more local trips that allow you to travel by car and lessen your carbon footprint.

12. Promote responsible, environmentally friendly principles online

If you’re a photographer or content creator who promotes their work online or on social media, it’s important to always set a good example and practice responsible, environmentally-friendly principles. Don’t break local laws or promote unlawful behavior just to get a photo. This includes being cautious of the environment and wildlife you might be around. Stay on designated trails, don’t disturb the wildlife around you, and practice “Leave No Trace” principles so we can leave these beautiful places better than we found them.

Feature photo by Alif Ngoylung on Unsplash