On the 23rd March 2009 the Cape Film Commission (CFC) held their annual Locations Imbizo. The CFC launched their Green Awareness Campaign, and along with industry adopted a pledge to sustain the environment and in particular film making practices. CFC in collaboration with Industry Professionals signed the pledge, thus advocating to the on going commitment in protecting the environment.

Pledge “We, The Cape Film Commission in collaboration with film industry professionals hereby pledge our continuous support and participation in Environmental Sustainable Filmmaking Practices.”

Tips and Recommended Initiatives

Art Department

• use low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and sealants
• use recycled paints
• use leftover paint as primer on new sets
• recycle or properly dispose of leftover paint
• donate old props and set dressing to schools, film students and charity organizations.

Catering and Craft Services

• provide reusable bottles, plates, cups, and cutlery, or
• use biodegradable plates and cups
• display prominent recycling bins for cans and bottles
• display prominent bins for food wastes
• label garbage cans "landfill" so users will think twice
• refill and reuse your water bottle
• avoid Styrofoam and plastic
• serve organic and locally-grown food
• donate leftover food - charities appreciate your un served catering.

Food Donations www.feedback.org.za

Polystyrene www.polystyrenepackaging.co.za

Film, Tape Stock, and Expendables

• buy recycled tapes and expendables
• consider using hard disk recorders
• reuse old tapes
• recycle your expendables, film ends, and tapes
• resell film and tapes.

Office and Consumables

• stock chlorine-free toilet paper, paper towels, and tissues
• use cleaning agents low in VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
• stock recycled paper products
• read documents on your screen instead of printing
• convert hard copy procedures to e-mail
• reduce number of copies of each document
• route documents to multiple readers instead of making copies
• make double-sided copies
• use the reverse of one-sided copies as scratch paper
• recycle all paper
• buy quality used furniture, equipment, and electronics
• buy green office supplies
• buy bulk snacks instead of individually-wrapped snacks
• use a water filtration system instead of purchasing bottled water (which is usually filtered tap water )
• institute an "office mug" policy instead of providing Styrofoam cups
• serve drinks in glasses, not cans and bottles
• recycle cans and bottles
• recycle toner cartridges and batteries
• recycle electronics - e-waste is hazardous
• sell or donate usable electronics, supplies, and furniture
• turn off and unplug all electronics at the end of the day, especially computers and don’t forget to switch off lights.

e- Waste www.e-waste.org.za

Set Construction

• display prominent recycling bins for cans and bottles
• label garbage cans "landfill" to make users think twice
• use reusable water bottles
• reuse, donate, or recycle sets
• use bio diesel generators
• use energy-efficient equipment
• use LEDs where possible - these are low-energy
• turn off and unplug equipment when not in use

Good Quality Leftover Building Materials www.habitatforhumanity.org.za

Transportation

• carpool
• use public transportation
• rent or buy a hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicle

Motor Oil www.rosefoundation.org.za

Tyres www.rubbersa.com (The South African Tyre Recycling Process Company)

Car Batteries www.freestart.co.za / www.battery.co.za

Wardrobe

• Look for CO2 cleaning and wet cleaning dry cleaners
• Donate used clothes to charitable organizations including industry related initiatives
• Consider clothing made from organically-grown fibres.

Download the Cape Film Commission’s code of best practice in sustainable film making checklists

Cape Film Commission Code of Best Practice Locations Checklist.pdf
Cape Film Commission Code of Best Practice Post Production Checklist.pdf
Code of Best Practice in Sustainable Film Making at the Office Checklist.pdf