Hi everyone,

The Green Scene has been spotlighting ways to make filming more sustainable by looking at things that productions can do, like using clean electric power, EV’s and renewable diesel. But what about YOU? What can one person hope to achieve in the fight against climate change?

Now that summer weather is upon us and we need to be vigilant about hydration, consider this graphic created by Green Spark Group which compares using 48,000 single-use plastic water bottles for a crew of 100 over 4 months – to using the equivalent amount of water in just 38 bulk refill jugs (18.9L each). The jugs are reusable and use only .10 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gas emissions as opposed to a staggering nearly 9 metric tonnes of CO2e with the individual water bottle option! Not to mention a cost saving of over $23,000! Refilling makes a dramatic difference!

You probably already knew that refilling your own bottle makes sense, but comparing the cost in both greenhouse gas emissions and dollars demonstrates just what kind of difference we can make. We really shouldn’t need ANY single-use plastic bottles on set – ADs can remind even background performers, actors and directors to bring their own bottle – on the callsheet and when distributing those call times. Make a habit of it – we all need gentle reminders to go green!

Another beverage we film crews love to guzzle is coffee – did you know that using just one disposable take-out cup per day results in about 23 pounds of waste per person per year? That’s not counting the carbon emissions generated to make, transport and dispose of those cups. Recycle BC now takes coffee cups in the blue box (so AT LEAST put it there), but the smartest thing to do is carry that reusable travel mug with you – I know you’ve got at least one – and refill refill refill! At the coffee shop, at crafty – and even on camera – let BG bring their own travel mug and model good habits on screen whenever possible.

This summer, stay hydrated by making sustainable choices a habit – change is possible, one refill at a time!

For more ideas on ways to effect change, check out DGC National’s DGC Green site as well as Creative BC’s Reel Green website for new industry initiatives, green vendors, events and courses you can take. 

Tell me what your show is doing to be more sustainable! Do you have a green tip or success story you'd like us to share in a future Ebulletin? Send me an email at awilczur@dgcbc.com.

Annabelle Wilczur
Assistant Business Agent