Coming into the wedding industry with a background in Environmental Studies, I knew I wanted to focus on sustainability in my business. This was going to be less straightforward than other vendors in the industry. I have seen trays of food thrown away, beautiful flower displays using toxic floral foam and single-use everything. These are all things I avoid in my personal life and have struggled to find a way to contribute positively to this industry that wastes so much. As a wedding photographer, I’ve chosen to carbon offset my travel. 

Okay so what is carbon offsetting and does it really help?

Carbon offsetting works by reducing the amount of CO2 in our atmosphere equal to the amount of CO2 emitted by certain activities. All year I track my mileage to and from photoshoots, the photo shop and any flights I take for destination weddings and engagements. Using the Carbon Footprint carbon calculator, I can estimate how many tonnes of CO2 is emitted while working. Once I have that number, I can invest in many different carbon-offsetting projects all over the world. I like to find projects is through Investopedia or Native. They keep an updated list where you can choose the programs and projects that best align with your goals. 

Besides offsetting, I’m committed to working with vendors that feel the same way about sustainability in the industry! There are so many incredible companies in the Minneapolis area. My preferred vendors list includes sustainable planner like LUUM Collective, florists such as Pansy Floral and incredible caterers like Chowgirls. 

When you invest in me as your photographer, you invest in a greener future.