On this day we recognize the beauty and fragility of our earth, and our capacity to mitigate the effects of climate change.  

We should be proud of the achievements of IATSE 873, by signing onto The Creative Industries Pact, conducting an energy audit, conducting a sustainability assessment, installing a white roof, pledging fossil free investing, hosting a yard sale, including reusable cutlery in their line of merchandise, and launching a page dedicated to sustainability.

In partnership with our local’s initiatives, each department is striving to work sustainably for the benefit of our community and our environment. Here are some of the protocols at work every day in our TV and film community. 

Construction Re-use materials such as plywood and clean flats from show to show, donate materials such as doors and windows to social agencies.  
 
Costumes Donate clothing to social agencies. 

Grip Re-use materials such as foamcore, blackwrap, plywood and sashcord, donate gels/diffusions to film and theatre schools.

Hair Purchasing products in bulk, avoiding the use of aerosols, donating products at wrap.

Lighting Tie into the grid system on locations across the city, utilize electric generators instead of diesel.

Makeup Use large water bottles with a pump in trailers, wash glass bottles used for decanting, donate clean mascara wands to wildlife centres.

Props Donate items to social agencies, prioritize rentals over purchasing.
Set Decoration Re-use wrapping materials and cardboard, rent vans for heads of departments instead of pick- up trucks.
Greens Donate plant material at shows end.     
   
Scenic Set up brush and roller stations to minimize paint entering the water system, donate unused paints to social agencies.

Script Supervisors Utilize Scriptation to minimize paper use.

Sound/Boom Use reusable batteries over single use batteries. Those that are not re-chargeable are disposed of responsibly.

Special Effects Re-using metal and wood from rigs whenever possible, responsibly disposing waste.

Transportation Keep idling to a minimum, request electric vehicles for crew such as buyers, and PAs.

Happy Earth Day from the IATSE 873 Environment Committee.