The used camera equipment company making visual storytelling sustainable for both people and the planet
Sponsored content
Photography has a greater environmental footprint than we might think. The ecological impacts of newly-produced camera equipment range from the raw materials mined to make lenses and electrical components, to the carbon emitted during manufacturing. An estimated 155,000 tonnes of electrical waste, including digital cameras, goes to landfills each year – one eco-conscious company is working to change that.
Founded in 2011, MPB is an online platform dedicated to changing the way we consume electronics by making it easier to buy, sell and trade in used camera and video equipment. Matt Barker, MPB founder and CEO, says that the company was started as a way to make photo and video kit more accessible and more affordable, whilst also providing a circular economy for visual storytellers, which allows the unused kit to continue its journey with someone new without harming the planet.
A circular economy is one in which we value materials and keep them in use for as long as possible, focusing on the repair and reuse of existing products. Its benefits extend to consumers, who save money in the long term. Among young photographers aged under 35, 69 per cent believe buying used is the best way to reduce the environmental impact of their photography.
Every year, MPB recirculates more than 350,000 cameras and lenses, extending the life of quality pieces of kit while making them more affordable and accessible. Their team of highly trained camera experts and seasoned photographers and videographers are committed to extending the life of kit in any way possible, whether that is providing a platform that makes buying, selling and trading kit simple or donating un-purchasable items to charity. MPB’s ultimate aim is to become 100 per cent circular, a goal that encompasses all parts of the company’s operations, from camera equipment to its packaging and even office furniture. ‘We are committed to driving circular thinking and behaviour so that simply buying new is no longer the default option,’ says Rachel Thompson, head of sustainability at MPB Brighton.
MPB promises to offer the right price for every piece of kit based on make, model, condition and market, across a huge selection of camera bodies, lenses, filters and accessories. ‘Kit is built to last, so buying used does not have to mean sacrificing on quality – but it does reduce the environmental impact of our field,’ says MPB founder and CEO Matt Barker. That means that wherever you are on your creative journey, from beginner to seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone who wants to try something new, hone their skills, or pursue their passion. ‘We want to nurture creativity by making sure that tomorrow’s storytellers have access to kit to build their skills,’ say MPB. ‘Photography should be inclusive and accessible for everyone who wants in.’
MPB is the world’s largest online platform for visual storytellers to buy, sell and trade in used photo and video kit. MPB makes kit more accessible and affordable, helping to visualise a more sustainable future.
