|
|
Green Mo`olelo
here
In Fall 2008, Mo`olelo received a MetLife/TCG A-ha! Think it, Do it grant to research and develop a tool to measure the environmental impact of theater and help the industry make choices that do not cause long-term damage to our communities. We partnered with Brown & Wilmanns Environmental Consulting and adapted their "Green Choices" methodology to theater. The Green Theater Choices Toolkit was finally completed on December 18, 2009. Click here to download the 24-page pdf.
Aim: To respect environment, conserve natural resources and reduce use of material and practices that have a detrimental effect on environment.
3 R's- Reduce, Recycle and Reuse:
- Recycling bins for paper, cans, and plastic material (e.g. juice bottles, cups, cardboard, etc.)
- Recycled materials taken to proper place-Performance and Administrative Practices
- Recycle construction waste-waste management
- Recycle paper in administrative use-Administrative
- Print postcards, posters, mailers, playbills, banners on FSC Certified materials-Advertisement and Communication
- Reuse: Using and encouraging the use of Mo`olelo plates and mugs that can be reused from one theater event to the next (mugs to be designed-should we contact an artist on this depending on our budget)
- Encourage staff and actors to use mugs and glass bottles instead of plastic glasses for drinking liquids-Performance and Administrative Practices
- Reuse and recycle paper, products and other materials from previous performances-Performance and Administrative Practices
- Reduce: Order paints through AFM, with buy-back plan-Scenic and Prop Material.
- Track all materials in and all materials out reduce dumpster load-waste management
- Borrow props from other theaters before creating or purchasing new props-Scenic and Prop Material.
- Send audition materials, welcome packet materials, and other correspondence electronically to reduce paper use-Advertisement and Communication
- Rent costumes from other theaters and actors, or purchase from thrift stores before purchasing new items
Transportation:
- Location - Near public transportation.
- Encourage use of public transportation
- Offer ticket discount with proof of a bus pass/ ticket stubs
- Provide space for bicycles to be locked up during performances; offer discount for bike use
- Encourage carpooling- spreading awareness through posters, etc.
Find carpooling friends at http://goloco.org/groups/2682
- Work with cast and designers to develop carpool plan
- Link group sales w/ carpooling
Energy Efficiency:
- Encourage owners to use renewable energy- Green Electricity for example.
- Use bamboo as a wood alternative where possible.- Scenic &Prop Material.
- Obtain materials from salvage centers, contractors' donation sites, etc-Scenic &Prop Material.
- Consider life cycle cost impact of the materials that are used during a performance- Administrative
- Inquire with lighting equipment suppliers about energy efficient lamps- Lighting
- Research jute and other materials for packing and mailing- Advertisement & Communication
Waste Management:
- Obtain scenic designers' lists of materials needed asap develop plan to obtain sustainable material.
- Maintain log of all sustainable practices.
- Update Sustainable Guidelines over time.
- Maintain and follow 3R's guidelines as stated above.
- Obtain Feedback on functional performance, operation and maintaining documents.
- Set aside a budget where necessary for sustainable practices.
Water Efficiency:
- Encourage landlords to install ultra low flow toilets and metered plumbing fixtures.
Spreading awareness in Community:
- Post Green Initiative and guidelines on website
- Include green slogans wherever possible
- Organize forums and convenings on green practices
Here's a sampling of how we've implemented the Green Theater Categories and Sustainable Guidelines:
In the office and rehearsal room:
Using post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled paper (minimum 30% PCW) When possible, printing on scratch paper and 2-Up Placing recycling bins in the work area Ordering office supplies from Greenline Paper Company (www.greenlinepaper.com) Using ceramic mugs instead of paper cups, or using PLA (plant starch based) coated cups that are fully biodegradable Cleaning supplies: using AFM Safecoat non-toxic cleaning products
Marketing:
Using FSC (Forrest Stewardship Council) approved print houses Printing marketing postcards, posters, mailers and playbills on FSC certified paper, using water or soy-based inks Printing banner on eco-friendly material Offering $5-off coupons to patrons who carpool, use public transportation or drive a hybrid to the theater
In the theater:
Placing recycle bins in the theater lobby Encouraging the re-using and recycling of playbills by our patrons Painting the sets with non-toxic AFM Safecoat paint (www.afmsafecoat.com) Renting furniture and props when possible rather than building or purchasing new When possible, using thrift shops for costumes Using materials that are easier to recycle, such a steel, in scenic design when possible Using recycled scrap woods in scenic design when possible Creative and conscious set design choices: i.e. using projections instead of paint in Cowboy Versus Samurai Developing an "exit strategy" for all scenic materials and props where do they go after our production is complete; i.e. platforms and flats donated to other companies; scrim and other materials saved for future use; etc.
|
|
|
|