Skip to main content
Digital Camera World Digital Camera World THE HOME OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
Subscribe
flag of US
US
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of UK
UK
flag of Australia
Australia
Photography Magazines
Photography Magazines
Why subscribe?
  • Enjoy 12 months for £/$/€12
  • Delivered to your Android or IOS device
  • Every issue is packed with photo tips, kit reviews and inspiration
From$12
View
  • Subscription offers
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Features
  • Tutorials
  • Buying Guides
  • Magazines
    • The Photography Show
    • Digital Camera
    • PhotoPlus
    • N-Photo
    • Digital Photographer
    • Australian Camera
    • Australian ProPhoto
    • Photography Week
    • About us

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  1. Features
Supported

Can cameras save the planet? Where you spend your dollars DOES make a difference

By Sponsored
published 25 September 2023

Buying a camera? Then be aware: where you choose to spend your money can make a BIG difference to the planet

Sustainable photo tips
(Image credit: Future)

When buying a camera, there are certain inalienable truths when it comes to eco-friendliness: namely that these are big blocks of plastic, metal alloys and silicon, and are inherently not very good for the planet. Some 63 million tons of electronic waste is discarded each year

That being the case, when the time comes that we genuinely do need to upgrade, trade in or otherwise add to our kit collection, we do so as responsibly as possible. 

And it's here, at the point of purchase, that the single biggest difference can be made. Where you choose to spend your dollars makes a definite, tangible difference to the good of the planet. 

Buying brand new kit is the least ecologically friendly way to consume camera equipment. Many manufacturers are taking strides to improve things, with the likes of Sony pledging to use more recycled / recyclable plastics in its products, and reduce the amount of waste in its packaging. A lot of brands are also doing things like excluding chargers, and only putting a USB cable in the box.

Still, you've only to look at what's inside a typical brand new camera box to see the excess waste. Plastic (often single-use) trays, plastic and metal cable ties, plastic bags, thick paper manuals / flyers / inserts… not to mention the ink and printing required to cover a dull brown box with shiny, retail-attractive branding, which if bought online generally comes packaged inside another box, usually with protective plastic and bubble wrap. 

Eco-friendly recycled packaging used by MPB

And, again, not to mention the non-recyclable components in the camera itself. And the same goes for camera accessories, such as batteries, lenses, tripods, bags, filters and everything else you'd find in or on a kit bag.

The solution? It's really quite simple: don't buy a brand new product, buy a product that already exists. That way, not only are not contributing to the manufacture of new goods – you're also extending the life of perfectly good products that are already in circulation, and might otherwise end up in landfill. 

Let's take a second-hand specialist like MPB, the world's largest online retailer of used camera equipment. Some products come in Like New condition including the original boxes. However, for used goods without the original packaging, MPB uses recycled cardboard boxes and corrugated paper for protection – there is no plastic or bubble wrap included whatsoever. 

Indeed, as MPB's packaging states: "Every year, MPB saves more than 1,200 football fields' worth of plastic bubble wrap by using recycled packaging."

The circular economy is crucial when it comes to electronics. Finding new uses (and new users) for old products is a hugely effective way to cut down on waste and carbon footprints. And it's also a hugely effective way to cut down on price, too! 

Digital Camera World created this content as part of a paid partnership with MPB. The contents of this article are entirely independent and solely reflect the editorial opinion of Digital Camera World.

Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter

The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
Sponsored
Sponsored
Social Links Navigation

Digital Camera World is one of the leading authorities on camera and photography news, reviews, techniques, tutorials, comparisons, deals and industry analysis. The site doesn't just specialize in cameras, but all aspects of photography, videography and imaging – including camera phones, gimbals, lenses, lighting, editing software, filters, tripods, laptops, printers, photo books, desks, binoculars and more. 


Whether you're using, looking to buy or trying to get the most out of a compact camera, action camera, camera drone, cinema camera, beginner camera or professional camera, Digital Camera World has a roster of experts with combined experience of over 100 years when it comes to cameras, photography and imaging. 

Related articles

  • Is Oppo set to release the ugliest phone ever made? Is Oppo set to release the ugliest phone ever made?
  • Japanese camera industry announces support for development of tech that can combat AI fakes and validate real photos Japanese camera industry announces support for development of tech that can combat AI fakes and validate real photos
  • NFL Films' jaw-dropping shots are taken with a lens so rare it's one of only five in the WORLD NFL Films' jaw-dropping shots are taken with a lens so rare it's one of only five in the WORLD
  • Fresh rumors hint at radical new AF system coming to Canon EOS R1 Fresh rumors hint at radical new AF system coming to Canon EOS R1
  1. Panasonic S5 II
    1
    Panasonic supercharges its S5II and S5IIX cameras
  2. 2
    Live stream like a pro with the AI-powered OBSBOT Tail Air PTZ camera
  3. 3
    Today, Cyber Monday, is the last day to get a $20 Blink camera—but you shouldn't
  4. 4
    GuruShots: Winning images from the latest Sunrise VS Sunset photo challenge
  5. 5
    Black Weekend hack: save even more by buying used, AND get 10% off at KEH
  1. Potensic Atom
    1
    Potensic Atom review: An ultralight drone ready to pick a serious fight!
  2. 2
    Leica's sexy, Apple-like "Ghost" camera gets a $400 price drop
  3. 3
    Canon PowerShot Zoom monocular now just $99 – that's a saving of nearly $171
  4. 4
    $3,000 discount! Lowest price ever on the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II pro DSLR
  5. 5
    Secrets behind Canon's ground-breaking RF 10-20mm lens revealed in new interview

Digital Camera World is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • About us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.