The concept of the “3Rs” (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) is also valid and useful in advertising film production and audiovisual production in general.
The world’s prevailing economic model for years has been the linear economy,based on the “take-make-dispose”. In this way, the linear economy promotes the production of new raw materials every time we make new products, generating a large environmental impact.
On the other hand, The circular economy completely changes this way of thinking, adopting a philosophy of responsible consumption.
We tell you how to carry out actions that are more aligned with sustainability throughout the audiovisual production chain!
REDUCE
Reducing is about avoiding unnecessary waste of resources and consuming fewer “throwaway” products, as they generate a lot of waste. Some simple ideas to implement in everyday working life and on film shoots are:
- Work in spaces that have natural light; if this is not possible, turn off the lights when leaving a room.
- Use LED lighting to reduce energy consumption.
- Promote the use of cloud-based documents to avoid the use of paper.
- Have an inventory and planning to organise the purchase of materials that are really needed.
- When organising catering and meals, opt for larger packages that can later be portioned individually with reusable utensils.
- Organise the crew to travel to the set together reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
- Be aware of the carbon footprint you generate to always try to improve as much as possible.
REUSE
Some of the ideas in this point could also be included in the previous one, as they help to reduce the waste we generate. To reuse is to give a second life to materials or objects before discarding them. In this way we extend their useful life and make the most of their properties.
- Encourage your workers to have their own refillable bottle by having water purifiers in the office.
- When printing is necessary, use recycled paper.
- Create a space where workers can heat their lunch and have reusable utensils such as plates, glasses and cutlery available, encouraging them to bring their food from home. This will reduce packaging waste.
- Look for suppliers who use recycled packaging, and where possible avoid overuse.
- When food is left over, distribute it among the team so that it does not go to waste.
- When there are leftover materials, save them for the next occasion.
- Work with costume and accessory rental companies. Nowadays most of them have disinfection systems and you will avoid unnecessary purchases and waste.
RECYCLE
Recycling is the action of separating the different types of waste and depositing them in the corresponding container, so that they can be used to create new products or generate new energy with them.
- Provide recycling bins both in the office and on sets.
- Communicate the importance of sustainability and recycling within the company’s values.
- Where possible, use environmentally friendly materials.
Day by day with small actions we can make our world a better place. It doesn’t cost that much, we just need to have the will to do it. We hope these ideas inspire you to continue creating a more sustainable audiovisual industry.
