Quick Tips A-Z

Art Department and Construction

• Sell or donate unwanted set materials to local theatres, high schools, acting schools or other productions before opting for disposal
• Support charities that are willing to pick up, recycle and reuse materials
• Where appropriate, select paints and products with environmentally friendly labels
• Dispose of paints and other hazardous materials in a responsible manner
• Don’t allow paint or residuals to enter storm drains
• Where appropriate, select products with environmentally friendly labels
• Use recycled wood or wood from managed forests (FSC)
• Rent or lease larger items such as furniture and computers as an alternative to purchasing

Camera and Sound

• Unplug video equipment, monitors and other electronics and similar equipment
• When purchasing or renting equipment, ask about energy efficient alternatives (Energy Star where applicable)
• Where acceptable, use digital processes for filming and sound recording
• Avoid sending waste film to landfills by recycling
• Encourage use of reusable cutlery, plates and cups rather than using disposable items
• Buy organic and locally grown food to help offset GHG emissions associated with transportation of food
• Apply fair trade principles when selecting imported food products (teas, coffees, fruits)
• Ensure that recycling facilities are available next to each waste bin and allow for plastic, glass, cans, papers, and metal
• Use lunch locations as places to post and inform cast and crew of good environmental practices
• Encourage the use of personal travel mugs to discourage consumption of disposable paper cups

Grip and Electric

• Use biodiesel fuels whenever possible to avoid emissions when using generators
• When replacing light bulbs, replace with lower wattage, longer life bulbs such as LED of CFL
• Use dimmers to rest lights between setups rather than switching lights on and off
• Encourage the use of CFL lights for work areas
• Use environmentally friendly textiles on frames instead of poly based materials for bounce and filtration
• Recycle color gels so that they can be used in future productions

Make-up and Hair

• Favor make-up, hair and cosmetic brands that use less packaging
• Where possible, select make-up, hair and personal care brands committed to avoiding animal testing
• Use refills to avoid disposing of non-recyclable make-up containers
• Investigate organic alternatives for make-up, hair care and personal hygiene products
• Have recycling bins readily available to make-up staff
• Where possible, purchase in bulk to avoid unnecessary travel

Post-Production

• If available, use digital post-production workflow systems
• Make use of energy saving features for equipment and computers
• Distribute projects and demonstration reels on DVD with limited amounts of packaging
• In the office, apply purchasing, energy efficiency, water conservation and waste reduction practices

Transportation

• Develop environmentally responsible leasing/rental practices for vehicles that include fuel efficiency
• Use alternative fuel vehicles such as hybrids, electric, biodiesel
• Practice efficient driving techniques
• Avoid idling
• Provide incentives for crew members to car pool

Wardrobe

• Purchase second-hand or recycled clothing and accessories when appropriate
• Support designers using environmental materials or otherwise have environmental credentials
• Avoid the use of garments and accessories made from endangered species
• Repair and alter garments rather than buying new
• Avoid clothes requiring dry cleaning, and if dry cleaning is needed, support those dry cleaners that don’t use perchloroethylene (PERC)
• Re-use coat hangers and plastic garment covers
• store and recycle garments/costumes when possible