Choosing Film

Choosing your film will be the next thing you do, and while it may seem a trivial matter of which brand is cheaper, we encourage you to make an informed decision. In this post, I’ll try to outline some major film companies that have good environmental records, and that produce film locally (which minimizes shipping distance and therefore carbon emissions). Of course, factoring in quality and cost will also be a priority.


Kodak

Pros: According to Kodak’s website, they take environmental concerns very seriously [Kodak]. They have a "Responsible Growth Message", Global Sustainability Reports, and they even have extensive information on disposal and recycling. Their commitment to the environment can be shown by their recent decision to join the Chicago Climate Challenge.

Cons: The Kodak company was involved in braking anti-pollution laws in Kodak Park in Rochester, NY. They may have cleaned up their act since, but this bears keeping in mind.


Ilford. Often the company of choice of schools.

Pros: They aren’t as explicit on their website about a “commitment to the environment”, but they too have a section on their “environmental practices”

Cons: I couldn’t find any news about environmental impacts of Ilford.


So, really, based on the information that’s out there and what they say they do for the environment, both companies seem almost equally eco-friendly. So, good news! Keep buying the film you’ve always bought, and you should be fine.