The Most Sustainable and Cheap Way to Save Your Wedding Videos

To ensure that your cherished 12 GB of wedding videos are saved sustainably and cost-effectively, consider these options. Each method offers unique benefits and can help you preserve memories for years to come.

1. External Hard Drive

Cost: Affordable, especially for larger capacities around $50-$100 for a 1 TB drive.
Sustainability: Durable and reusable for many years.
How to Use: Simply connect the external hard drive to your computer and copy the video files from the DVDs.

2. Cloud Storage

Cost: Many services offer free tiers, such as Google Drive ($15/month), Dropbox ($10/month), and OneDrive ($6/month) with limited storage often ranging from 5-15 GB. Paid plans are available for more space.
Sustainability: Reduces physical media usage but consider the environmental impact of data centers.
How to Use: Upload your videos directly from your computer to your chosen cloud service.

3. USB Flash Drive

Cost: Inexpensive, with 32 GB or 64 GB drives costing around $10-$20.
Sustainability: Small and portable, but ensure it’s durable for long-term storage.
How to Use: Copy your video files from the DVDs onto the USB drive.

4. Digital File Format on Your Computer

Cost: Free if you already have a computer with sufficient storage.
Sustainability: Keeps all files digital, reducing physical waste.
How to Use: Rip the DVDs to your computer using software like HandBrake or VLC and store them in a dedicated folder.

Recommended Approach: Rip the DVDs

Using software to convert the DVD videos into digital files is the first step. Once you have the digital files, you can choose the storage option that best suits your needs.

Choose Storage: External Hard Drive for Bulk Storage or USB Flash Drive for Portability

Determine whether you prefer bulk storage with an external hard drive or portability with a USB flash drive. Each option has its advantages:

Backup: Consider Also Uploading to a Cloud Service

For added security and accessibility, upload your digital files to a cloud service. This helps ensure that your videos are safe and can be accessed from anywhere.

Final Thoughts: Combining Methods for Optimal Protection

A combination of an external hard drive and cloud storage provides both security and accessibility. While SSDs (Solid State Drives) might seem like a good option, their stability for long periods of idle time is uncertain. NVRAM-like NAND flash used in modern SSDs can lose charge and data in as little as five years if idle.

Therefore, opt for a more reliable method such as:

Uploading to YouTube: Set the privacy settings to private for free long-term storage on Google's servers. External Hard Drive: For bulk storage and easy access. USB Flash Drive: For portability and quick access.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your wedding videos are both sustainable and cost-effective, while also providing you with the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are well-protected.