UFC Green Production – Utah Film Commission

GREEN PRODUCTION

Set expectations early. Green production rules or guidelines should be provided during the first days of production and should come from the top (UPM, Production team)
Designate a “green team” or sustainability coordinator. By including this in someone’s specific job, you ensure tasks will be completed. Asking for volunteers to be on a “green team” that represent key departments can help ensure buy-in from staff, and give you an effective way to disseminate information.
Signage is a key component of education and should be posted wherever employees congregate.
Set achievable goals. Replacing plastic water bottles with reusable ones, recycling paper and plastic or reducing catering waste all go a long way.

Eco Management

Ensure Production Office, stage facilities and shops are set up to encourage waste reduction and promote conservation.
Purchase reusable water bottles for cast and crew, rent portable water dispensers, recycling/waste receptacles.
Reduce paper use
Think about wrap while you’re in pre-production and plan for the striking of sets and material disposal in order to reduce waste at the end of production.

Art + Set Decoration + 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.
Select paint and products with environmentally friendly labels.
Dispose of paints and other hazardous materials in a responsible manner, e.g. returning paints to retailers, or store for future use. Do not allow residuals from washing paint down storm drains.
Use recycled wood or from managed forests, be mindful of old growth or endangered species.
Rent or lease larger items such as furniture and computers as an alternative to purchasing.

Camera + Sound/Grip + Electric

Unplug video players, monitors and other similar equipment. When it allows, use digital processes for filming and sound recording.
When using film, ensure that suppliers have end of life management programs and remain compliant with local regulations for disposal of photogenic processing chemicals. Avoid sending waste film to landfills by asking your supplier about recycling or other eco-friendly options.
Use hydroelectric based power when possible to avoid emissions from generators.
Replace flickering, dim and burned out lamps; replace light bulbs with lower-wattage, longer life, or energy-efficient alternatives, such as fluorescents.
Use environmentally considerate textiles on frames instead of poly-based materials for bounce and filtration.
Recycle color gels so they can be used for future productions.

Catering + Craft Services

Use reusable plates, cups, utensils and linens whenever you can instead of disposables, avoid Styrofoam and plastics as much as possible.
If paper products are unavoidable, look for ones with a high percentage of post-consumer recycled content. Encourage cast/crew to use personal travel mugs.
Have recycling bins for plastic, glass, cans and metals near craft services and catering trucks. Create easy to read signage that details proper practices, post information for cast/crew to remember good environmental practices.
Dispose of liquid wastes at approved disposal sites; do not use storm drains.
Buy organic and locally grown food to offset greenhouse gas emissions.

Make-up + Hair

Use brands that minimize packaging, as well as those that are committed to avoiding animal testing and use of ingredients that cause adverse health effects.
Use refills to avoid disposing of non-recyclable make-up containers, avoid the use of aerosols containing ozone-depleting substances.
Have recycle bins ready for staff use.

Production Office

Use apps/paperless script solutions to reduce your paper use or go paperless altogether. Think before you print!
Set up compost, garbage, recycling stations according to your hauling company’s waste separation guidelines.
Have the same compost, garbage, recycle plan in the office as onset.
Create easy to read signage that details proper practices for composting and recycling.
Turn off non-essential lighting, computers, monitors, printers, etc. when not in use or not in the office.

Transportation

Plan ahead. Take only trucks and technical equipment needed for the day/location. Plan travel to avoid peak traffic periods, roadwork and getting lost.
Use alternative fuel vehicles and purchase the cleanest fuel available. Monitor fuel efficiency, maintain appropriate tire pressure, and reduce unnecessary travel.
Create a no-idling policy. Idling for an hour wastes one gallon of gas. I’s bad for your health and is illegal in many cities, including in Salt Lake City and Park City.
Avoid short journeys in the car, try walking, riding bikes, or use public transportation when you have the options.
Whenever possible, power down any generator that is not in use.