Environmental Policy
Environmental Policy
Written by Fran Monks and published on the 15th June, 2010.
Categorised under Children's Photography, Environmental Policy, How to make a difference.
Having said last week that one of the things I love about Hackney is the environmentalism, it got me thinking again about my own environmental credentials. I’m enrolled on the Ecovate scheme with London Sustainability Exchange to try and improve my photography business’s environmental performance. One of the things that has inspired me to do, is create my own environmental policy. Here are some of the issues that I am working to improve on and that will make the basis of my policy:
Reduce energy use – for me this is a combination of travel and energy use at home. I do try and cycle to jobs whenever I can, but sometimes the amount of kit that I have makes that impossible. At home, I’ve installed an intellipanel which makes sure all my computer periferals turn off when my computer does. I’ve also been replacing light bulbs with energy saving ones. We bought an Owl Energy Monitor and that has helped as a reminder to turn off lights when we’re not using them. Amazingly, we’ve seen our energy bills drop significantly. Rechargable batteries are causing me some frustrations as I find my computer mouse lasts only a couple of days with them and then starts to malfunction. I haven’t trusted them yet for flash on a shoot, as I’m worried I’d be changing them all the time.
Reduce packaging waste – This is something I would like to improve on, but I suffer from a severe storage problem. We have a two bedroom flat with four people living in it and two people working from home. I don’t know where to keep packaging when I receive it so that I can reuse it… I need to work out a system. I’m sure it’s possible.
Reduce impact of presentation materials – I want to provide my clients with the best possible display for their photographs but I’ve been looking into alternatives, so that at least they have a choice. I’ve found some gorgeous frames made from reclaimed London wood, which I think I’ll offer as an option to people. Currently my top end albums come from New Zealand, which is possibly an issue. I’m planning on asking the album-maker some questions so that I can assess the situation thoroughly.
Make images that inspire sustainability – For me this is the principle aim of my business and the most important aspect of my policy. I hope to do it through the howtomakeadifference site and also through my photography and writing generally. I have a couple of ideas for new projects in mind, which will continue to pursue this objective.
That’s as far as I’ve got. Suggestions welcome!