The Black Dog’s PhotoBlog

Another thing we can do to be help our environment. Shopping at thrift stores. Really, think about it buying previously owned items helps cut down on waste and the needless production of more items.

My mother and father are the original “green people” in my life. They were very environmentally friendly by today’s standards doing things like composting, conserving energy and mom always loved shopping at thrift stores. So when I accepted the current project I’m working on one of the categories they wanted pictures for was green shopping ideas. I had to think back to what my parents did and thrift store shopping came to mind.

Many thrift stores contain all sorts of merchandise. Many people associate thrift stores with used clothing but there are many other items from furniture, books, home decor, jewelry and kitchen items (and the list goes on….)

I have to send a BIG thank you out to Family Pathways in Wyoming, MN for welcoming us into their store and letting us photograph. And to my 2 shoppers Melanie & Elizabeth, first for suggesting this store and second for letting me annoy them while they shopped.

Plastic & Aluminum, through a Lensbaby 3G
I’m real excited about a new project I’ve been working on, making photographs for the Layz Green People’s website. Photographs that show different ideas of living “green”. It’s a chance for me to help, get involved and maybe even learn some new ideas from others around the world.

Buy bulk and reduce waste by refilling plastic dispensers
LayZ Green People is an international website collaboration by writers, artists, photographers and others from around the world to bring you simple green living ideas. Everyone is welcome to join, share ideas and pledge to make this a better world. This is a new website and still forming, so check them out. Hope I see you there.

Fill a bowl of water. Wash hands, face and brush teeth. Reuse the water for your flower garden.

Yes, I know “going green” is the latest cool buzz word. But it really is a serious thing and something we all need to be thinking about these days. I won’t give you the lecture as I’m sure you’ve already heard it all. Instead, I’d like to share with you some of the things this and many photographers do in an effort to “go green”.

1. I use the internet and my own webspace to help me cut down on excess printing of photos and advertising materials.
2. I recycle as many products as possible, such as ink cartridges, film containers and paper.
3. I use recycled products when available such as recycled photo paper for all printed proofs, office stationary, business cards, advertising brochures & packaging materials.
4. I use rechargeable batteries.
5. I use digital imaging as much as possible which considerably cuts down on my use of hazardous chemicals, paper and the need for unnecessary packaging.
6. My newest thing, “The Outdoor Studio” cuts down on my use of electricity. With the natural light from the sun, I have less need to power artificial lighting.

What do you do? I’d love to hear your ideas on Green Photography. Please share your thoughts and ideas with me and I’ll be happy to try and incorporate those ideas into my studio.

Some links green photographers might find helpful;

Red River’s GreenPix 100% Post Consumer Processed Chlorine Free Photo Paper

Business Cards & Stationary from Green Printer