How can a photographer be green? It isn’t easy. And then again it is. There are certain constraints in photography in terms of seeking a 100% natural, environmentally benign way to produce beautiful pictures. But there are also countless decisions to be made in a photography business, decisions that can either do harm or benefit human health and the natural world. The following are some of the ways that Molly Crealock Photography treads more lightly on the Earth:

Photographic Printing
Molly uses 100% cotton paper for most of her photographic printing. Cotton paper is by far the best environmental choice for high quality photo papers, being a bi-product of the cotton cloth industry. Molly also uses bamboo, mulberry and 100% post-consumer recycled paper for some of her work. She does her own enlargements, and recycles used ink cartridges.

Transportation
Bicycle is the primary form of transportation for all aspects of Molly’s business. Following that she uses public transportation and foot power, followed by car sharing and renting.

Purchasing
Where possible Molly supports companies with good environmental track records, and notes and rejects those that have been shown to have environmentally destructive business practices. She chooses local, independent producers and suppliers where options exist.

Energy
Molly Crealock Photography is proud to be Bullfrog powered. Molly also uses only rechargeable batteries, and powers down her computer when it is not in use.

Promotional and Office Materials
Molly’s promotional printing (business cards, postcards, etc.) is done waterless printing technology. Her office paper and envelopes are 100% recycled. The labels she uses are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Certified. She reuses paper and envelopes where possible, and otherwise recycles.

Frames
A large percentage of the frames Molly uses and sells are reclaimed, vintage or antique. Some of her frames were custom made using local, reclaimed wood from Urban Tree Salvage. These frames were built by a local, independent woodworker and were treated with only natural oils, including hemp oil.

Community
Molly is the official photographer for Green Enterprise Ontario and does pro-bono work for cycling organizations and publications.

Education
Molly’s blog deals primarily with issues relating to more environmentally friendly photographic practices. Read her blog at mollycrealock.wordpress.com.