What little choices in your photo habits might make a big difference—for you and the planet? 

In this eye-opening episode, Fiona and Chantal delve into the hidden impact of the staggering 2.1 trillion photos expected to be taken in 2025. 

Together, we explore the ripple effects of our photo-taking and storing habits—on the environment, our mental wellbeing, and the way we connect with others. With gentle insights and practical tips, this episode encourages you to rethink your relationship with your photo library—from cloud backups to emotional overload, from printing practices to digital clutter. 

What You’ll Hear in This Episode 

• Mind-blowing stats: What 2.1 trillion photos a year really means 

• The environmental toll of digital storage: cloud servers, cooling systems, e-waste & energy use 

• The carbon footprint of printed photos (and what to consider before you hit “print”) 

• The mental load of photo overwhelm: decision fatigue, anxiety, and the myth of “infinite storage” 

• How photos impact social dynamics and intergenerational storytelling 

• Practical and sustainable photo management tips to reduce your footprint without losing your memories 

Why It Matters 

By bringing more intention, sustainability, and self-awareness to our photo habits, we can reduce our impact—on the planet and ourselves—and reconnect with the purpose behind the memories we choose to keep. 

Related episodes 

Episode 060 How many photos do we really need? 

Episode 072 Which 100 photos would you choose to document your life? 

Episode 103 Swedish Death Cleaning and Photos with Caroline Guntur – The Swedish Organizer 

Episode 109 A Conversation about Legacy, Photos and Life with Nancy Rose – Compass Rose Legacy Foundation 

If you have any photo-related questions we haven't answered yet in one of the previous episodes, please don't hesitate to share them with us via the Wishlist for Future Episodes! 

We invite you to have a look through our DIY Photo Organising Courses so you can decide which of these courses might be what you need to help you move forward with your photo organising projects. 

If you’d like to learn more about us, go to: 

www.diyphotoorganising.com.au  

Fiona McLauchlan’s website: www.counsellingmemories.com.au or 

Chantal Imbach’s website: www.photosinorder.com.au  

If you are not in Melbourne and would like to explore having a Photo Manager help you, check out www.thephotomanagers.com to find help closer to home. 

*affiliate link