Florida’s film, television and digital media industry can have a significant impact on the environment of our state, our nation, and our planet in a number of ways.

First, productions that shoot in Florida can choose to make environmentally-wise decisions at every phase of production. Part I that follows is a list of ideas your production can and should utilize to make your office and your set ‘green’. Everyone on your show can have a part in making a difference -- craft service, set construction, office staff, transportation -- every department needs to be involved.

Second, the content of those productions we create can include a message to people all over the world about any of the many issues of environmental importance. This can be simply reflected in the actions of a character in a movie or video game, or in something he or she says, or be a part of the plot itself. Part II outlines some ideas for producers, writers and directors to include in their productions.

We hope you’ll find these ideas helpful, but they are only a first step. Let us know any ideas you have to improve it. Making this better is an ongoing project -- the Florida Film and Entertainment Advisory Council has formed a committee to keep improving this plan and get productions to implement it. We are one of the first states to implement a green production plan, and we want to continue our leadership role in this field.

After all, it's not just our future. It's everyone's.

PART I: WHAT YOUR PRODUCTION CAN DO:

Recycling and Proper Waste Disposal:

• Recycle everything possible and provide recycling bins for all recyclables. Contract with a recycling service to pick up recycling. List of recycling centers in Florida
  
  
• Buy products with recycled content and products sold in packaging that can be recycled. Buy high recycled content paper and promotional products. List of Florida vendors
  
  
• Discard hazardous waste at an appropriate drop off center. Items like batteries must be disposed of properly. List of centers
  
  
• Buy food and products in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
  
  
• Use a separate bin for wood waste to be recycled or composted. Scrap wood can also be used to make engineered wood products.
  
  
• Donate all unwanted items to organizations in need, food and clothing to shelters, equipment to nonprofits, schools, children's organizations etc.
  

Florida Green Lodging Program:

• Have your talent and crew utilize Florida’s Green Lodging program and stay in an environmentally conscious hotel. The Florida Green Lodging Program establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. List of Green Lodges in Florida
  

Purchasing with the environment in mind:

• Buy products from companies in Florida that provide technical assistance, products and/or services that conserve energy, reduce water consumption, preserve the quality of air and reduce the generation of solid waste in hotels and motels across the state. List of vendors
  
  
• Use Energy Star rated/labeled energy efficient computers, copiers, fax machines, refrigerators and other appliances. Turn off any equipment when not in use. Energy Star Website
  
  
• Utilize a Dry Cleaner that uses GreenEarth^sm, a non-toxic solvent that is safer for humans, for the environment, and for your garments. Locate a GreenEarth Dry Cleaner near you
  
  
• Use locally produced products and materials to reduce the pollution and energy use associated with transporting the items.
  
  
• Purchase used office furniture.
  
  
• Replace standard watt bulbs with energy efficient, long-lasting compact fluorescent light bulbs. Turn off lights when not needed.
  
  
• Purchase clothing made of organic cotton and/or recycled materials.
  
  
• Utilize natural gas, biodiesel or solar generators and refrigeration systems.
  
  

Around the office:

• Print and copy double-sided, and reuse single-sided, used paper.
  
  
• Reduce stock waste and digital dailies and online editing suites.
  
  

Craft Services:

• Buy organic food, shade-grown/organic and fair trade coffee & teas. Florida Certified Organic Growers & Consumers
  
  
• Encourage the use of reusable dishware and mugs. Provide unbleached, recycled paper towels, plates and cups (avoid disposable).
  
  
• For catered meetings and general craft services, make sure food suppliers do not provide Styrofoam. Ask caterers to provide only recyclable serving containers, like aluminum pans.
  
  
• Have leftovers from catered meals picked up by a food bank that donates to local shelters.
  
  

Set Design & Construction:

• Reuse and Recycle sets, and donate unwanted lumber, fencing and other supplies to local organizations in need (e.g. school's, animal care centers).
  
  
• Use sustainable wood products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council - look for the FSC "checkmark and tree" logo (www.fscus.org or 1-802-244-6257).
  
  
• Purchase low-emission (low VOC) and less toxic alternatives of chemicals, paints, flooring, etc.
  
  
• Use thermal storage units that make and use ice to cool soundstages etc.
  
  

Maintenance:

• Use nontoxic soap and cleaners. Supply or ask the janitorial staff to stock nontoxic cleaners, chlorine free toilet paper, paper towels and tissues.
  
  

Transportation:

• Become carbon neutral by offsetting carbon dioxide emissions from electricity and fuel used for the production transportation, equipment, airplane flights etc. Becoming Carbon Neutral
  
  
• Encourage carpooling and the use of public transportation.
  
  
• Ask suppliers of trucks, buses/trailers if they have vehicles that run on natural gas, biodiesel or fuel cells.
  
  
• Turn off production vehicles when not in use. Do not let them run to keep them cool.
  
  
• Purchase Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel, available from ARCO stations, for existing trucks and equipment.
  
  
• Utilize electric or hybrid vehicles /use electric carts and/or electric/gas hybrid work trucks and vehicles on studio/production lots.
  
  

PART II: SHOW 'GREEN' PRACTICES IN YOUR SCRIPT OR IN YOUR GAME!

When characters in your script exhibit certain behaviors or discuss environmentally conscious values, it can have an affect on the audience. Same goes for characters in a video game!

Make characters in your script:

• Recycle! Paper, newspaper, cans, plastics, glass, etc.
  
  
• Walk or ride a bike instead of drive.
  
  
• Drive electric/hybrid cars, carpool or use public transportation.
  
  
• Turn off lights when leaving rooms.
  
  
• Use energy efficient equipment with EPA's Energy Star label.
  
  
• Donate old items and office equipment to charities, shelters, schools etc.
  
  
• Buy food in bulk and carry groceries in canvas bags.
  
  
• Buy organic food and other products from local markets. Have organic labeled products in the kitchen.
  
  
• Turn off the water when brushing teeth, washing dishes, etc.
  
  
• Volunteer for environmental and social causes.
  
  
• Pack lunches and store food in reusable containers.
  
  
• Use reusable kitchenware and mugs (not disposable).
  
  
• Work in offices surrounded by plants and natural lighting from windows.
  
  
• Turn off office equipment and computers when not in use.