Environmental Impact of the Photoprocessing Industry

Consumer digital cameras appeared on the market in 1994. Consequently, the photoprocessing industry experienced a downturn beginning in 2000, with a sudden drop in activity. This study focuses on the evolution of the retail photoprocessing industry between 1996 and 2006 and evaluates its four major environmental impacts: (1) energy use, (2) associated greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), (3) silver discharge, and (4) water consumption. The main method used for data analysis is based on the ISO 14040 standard for Life Cycle Assessment. The study utilizes data from: (a) impact quantification for two photoprocessing labs in Santa Clara County, and (b) a census of retail photoprocessing labs in Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant (RWQCP) service area, based on wastewater permits.

Autorentext

Benoit has dedicated his life to the art of Photography since the age of 14. Practicing his passion, he has worked alternately as a photographer, professor and journalist in many imaging related areas.Benoit's research is focused on the environmental impacts of the photo processing industry in the Bay Area, near San Francisco.