We care about
Sustainability
At Ardent Soul Photography, we are passionate about getting outdoors and living life to the full. We believe sunsets are good for the soul and that being out in nature can speak to us in ways that our smartphones never will. And so it's a no-brainer that we would want to do our bit to preseve our beautiful planet for future generations.
How we are helping
We very deliberately chose suppliers who shared our values when it comes to protecting the environment. All our frames are produced through the most sustainable methods across all areas of the business and waste is actively being reduced. We were ruthless in our search, checking right down to the whether the coffee pods used in the warehouse kitchen are reusable and beans are sustainably sourced (and were delighted to discover that yes, in fact, they are).
Timber frames
Made to Last
Every shadowbox frame is produced from scratch in our Melbourne workshop to a museum standard, meaning your prints will be protected for over 100 years.
In addition to hand-crafted frames, we use 3mm plexiglass - a shatter-proof, museum-grade alternative to glass which also protects your work from UV damage and fading over time.
Until we find a high-quality alternative to foam core and plexiglass, we aim to eliminate all unnecessary wastage.
Each frame is produced from locally-sourced Victorian ash which has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. FSC certification provides the highest level of protection for rare and endangered forests and wildlife of any existing forest certification scheme and is the only system that mandates consultation with local Indigneous Peoples.
We print to a 300 gsm 100% cotton rag, which is considered the most environmentally of photographic paper as it uses no tree fibres, instead it is produced from a recycled by-product of the textile making industry. Being a by-product of the cotton industry, it is considered to have low environmental impact as no cotton is grown specifically to make the paper stock.
Improved
Packaging practices
All frames are delivered in protective Polycell EcoPure, a biodegradable bubble wrap alternative which is designed to degrade plastic in a landfill overtime.
We also package our frames in cartons from 3BC stock which is comprised of 77% recycled content and 33% from FSC certified kraft fibres that are sourced from Gippsland in Victoria.
Custom frames
Reclaimed timber
Our custom frames are made from 100% recycled timber and sourced ensuring suppliers practice sustainable and ethical standards.
They are then packaged using biodegradable materials and re-used cardboard boxes.
In addition to all this, we incorporate sustainable practice throughout our business. Kali chooses to use recyled materials where possible and much of our cardboard and paper waste goes straight into the compost, making it's way directly to the garden. The abundance of fruit and vegetables produced is then enjoyed, shared and traded within the local community.
A work in progress
Whilst we are actively working to reduce waste in all areas and minimse our impact on the environment, we know there is more we can be doing. If you have feedback on how we can grow in the area of sustainability, we'd love to hear it. Please send your thoughts to: info@ardentsoulphotography.com.au or drop us a line below.