Photography Prints Created Sustainably With Love

For those who know me, it’s no secret that I am deeply committed to protecting our planet and the incredible creatures we share it with. My photography career began with a focus on conservation storytelling, but long before that and still to this day, I have dedicated countless days to volunteering and working on marine conservation projects around the world. As a photographer, I donate my photos to research centers and conservation initiatives worldwide, free of charge. Additionally, every year, I set aside time to take on pro bono projects to support science and conservation. This cause is not just a passion for me; it has and continues to be a significant part of my life.

That’s why, when I embarked on this journey, I was determined to partner with a print lab that shares my commitment to sustainability. I was amazed to discover that The Print Space creates stunning fine art prints using a truly carbon-neutral process. Remarkably, they even account for their worldwide shipping to ensure true net-zero emissions. But this is just the beginning. Let’s take a closer look at how they sustainably produce my photography prints.

Fully Carbon Neutral Printing & Shipping 

In 2018, The Print Space began collaborating with third-party analysts to evaluate and reduce their carbon footprint. On July 1st, 2019, they became one of the first end-to-end carbon-neutral studios in the world. Since then, they have continuously adapted and improved their services to further benefit the planet.

The Print Space achieves carbon neutrality by carefully minimizing energy consumption and waste, sourcing energy from sustainable and renewable providers, and offsetting any unavoidable carbon emissions through investments in renewable energy projects. To offset their carbon emissions, they use the Gold Standard, which is recommended by organizations such as Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

The Gold Standard is recognized as one of the highest-ranking voluntary carbon market standards globally and has been endorsed by over 80 international NGOs dedicated to environmental protection. Established in 2003, it ensures that carbon offset projects deliver real and measurable reductions in emissions.

One of the projects that The Print Space has invested in over the years is the 22.5 MW Wind Power Project in Rajasthan, India. This project plays a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions and also invests in the development and education of the local community. It currently generates 45 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity per year, which is enough to power approximately 10,500 households.

What truly stands out about The Print Space is their perspective on sustainability. They state, “Offsetting our carbon emissions is first and foremost a short-term alternative and not a long-term solution. We are always looking for ways to reduce our emissions further and continue to make necessary changes along the way.”

Partnering with the World Land Trust

Their commitment goes beyond just addressing carbon emissions. They have initiated a project where, for every first print ordered, they fund the protection of 25 m² (approximately 269 sq ft) of natural habitat through the World Land Trust. To date, they have protected over 172,000 m² (about 1,829,864 sq ft) through this initiative. The World Land Trust is an international conservation charity dedicated to protecting and sustainably managing natural ecosystems in more than 20 countries. They direct funds and expertise to areas that urgently need support while ensuring that complete control is given to the local communities who live on that land year-round. Sir David Attenborough has said, “Money that is given to the World Land Trust, in my estimation, has more effect on the wild world than almost anything I can think of.”

For my artist and photographer friends, if you order prints from the Print Space and use my code: 4V87Z75 you'll not only receive 50% off your first order, but they will fund the protection of 25 m² (approximately 269 sq ft) of natural habitat through the World Land Trust. So for every 10 people I refer, that's like creating a wildlife reserve the size of a professional doubles tennis court. For more details please click here.

Sustainable Materials, Packaging & Shipping 

Being carbon neutral is just part of the story. The Print Space is also committed to addressing plastic pollution. The materials used to produce your orders are carefully selected to minimize our environmental impact while ensuring your items arrive in perfect condition. This means that all packaging used for your order consists of a mixture of sustainably sourced, recyclable, or biodegradable materials.

Additionally, the Fujifilm Crystal Archive paper I chose for my prints also has its benefits. Fujifilm’s production processes are powered entirely by wind energy, generating their own energy through five wind turbines and a large afterburner. They have also developed a water purification plant in collaboration with neighboring companies. Fujifilm adheres to strict regulations under the S Class system, which prohibits substances that could pose risks to the environment and public health.

I also recognize that the C-type printing process relies on a precious metal, silver, as a fundamental component for creating high-quality photographic prints. Silver is the raw material used to make the light-sensitive emulsion that is applied to the paper to produce our prints. The Print Space actively extracts and recycles the silver residue and by-products of the photographic process, as they are valuable raw materials.

Their global shipping and transportation methods have also been designed to achieve carbon neutrality in the delivery of fine art prints. They achieve this by using eco-friendly couriers, such as DHL GoGreen and Green Courier, whenever possible, and by utilizing renewable energy suppliers like Ecotricity and Stadtwerke Düsseldorf as well as incorporating electric bikes for localized transportation. They also have print facilities in three countries—New York, London, and Düsseldorf—which helps to reduce air travel when fulfilling your orders.

In a world where our choices can either harm or heal the planet, I invite you to join me on this journey towards sustainability. By choosing to purchase these carbon-neutral fine art photography prints, you not only support my passion for photography and conservation but also contribute to a larger movement dedicated to protecting our environment for future generations. Supporting eco-conscious businesses like this helps set the bar higher and show the world that we want change and we want it now.